US6672731B2 - Vehicular rearview mirror with blind spot viewing system - Google Patents

Vehicular rearview mirror with blind spot viewing system Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US6672731B2
US6672731B2 US09/991,463 US99146301A US6672731B2 US 6672731 B2 US6672731 B2 US 6672731B2 US 99146301 A US99146301 A US 99146301A US 6672731 B2 US6672731 B2 US 6672731B2
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
blind spot
vehicles
spot viewing
rearview mirror
exterior rearview
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related, expires
Application number
US09/991,463
Other versions
US20020159171A1 (en
Inventor
Robert E. Schnell
David K. Willmore
Richard J. Weber
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Magna Donnelly Corp
Original Assignee
Donnelly Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Donnelly Corp filed Critical Donnelly Corp
Priority to US09/991,463 priority Critical patent/US6672731B2/en
Assigned to DONNELLY CORPORATION reassignment DONNELLY CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: WILLMORE, DAVID K., SCHNELL, ROBERT E., WEBER, RICHARD J.
Publication of US20020159171A1 publication Critical patent/US20020159171A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US6672731B2 publication Critical patent/US6672731B2/en
Adjusted expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60RVEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R1/00Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
    • B60R1/02Rear-view mirror arrangements
    • B60R1/025Rear-view mirror arrangements comprising special mechanical means for correcting the field of view in relation to particular driving conditions, e.g. change of lane; scanning mirrors

Definitions

  • This invention relates to exterior rearview mirrors for vehicles and, more particularly, to a vehicular rearview mirror system allowing repositioning of the mirror reflector for desired time periods to view areas adjacent the vehicle which otherwise would be hidden from view in the driver's blind spot to improve safety during lane changes, merging with or passing of other vehicles.
  • an interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted on the inside of the vehicle and includes a mirror reflector used by the driver to view rearwardly of the vehicle to judge traffic to allow passing, lane changes, operation in reverse and the like.
  • a passenger side and/or driver side exterior mirror assemblies are normally used by the driver to extend the field of view both laterally and rearwardly of the vehicle.
  • a driver normally encounters an area next to the vehicle that cannot be viewed with either the interior or exterior mirror reflector.
  • a blind spot actuator can be added to an exterior rearview mirror assembly which will quickly reposition the reflective surface of the mirror when activated such that the blind spot size decreases greatly or is eliminated. When deactivated, the blind spot actuator quickly returns the reflective mirror surface to its original position for normal rearward viewing.
  • a variety of blind spot actuators have been previously proposed.
  • One prior known assembly includes a hinge plate, spring and electric motor combination incorporated in the exterior rearview mirror. When in the normal driving position, the electric motor is deactivated and the spring is retracted. However, when activated, the electrical motor drives a gear mechanism to change the angular position of the mirror. Electric power is continuously supplied to the motor in order to hold the mirror in the extended position. When power is removed, the force applied by the motor is removed and the spring applies a return force to the mirror which urges the mirror back to its normal position.
  • Such an assembly requires the motor to be in a stall position with electrical power applied as long as the driver desires to view the blind spot. Since the blind spot actuator will be used very frequently by a vehicle driver, the large cycle requirement for the assembly in which the stall position is maintained in each cycle reduces the life of the electric motor.
  • the above system may experience significant vibration distortion for the driver when viewing the system while driving on a highway.
  • the spring which is extended when the blind spot actuator is activated is in a relaxed position when the reflective surface is in the normal position. This allows road shocks and other vibration to affect the mirror.
  • the drive motor assembly is attached to the mirror holder. Such additional weight of the drive motor may degrade the vibration performance of the reflective surface.
  • pivot supports for the reflective mirror element in such prior known systems including the above Janowicz, Lynas and Mathieu patents have been of significant size and cause the reflective mirror surface to be positioned a large distance from the center of the adjustment mechanism. This likewise decreases vibration performance of the overall assembly and creates manufacturing difficulties in forming an interchangeable system in which a single mirror housing can include either a blind spot actuator or a normal mirror glass as desired.
  • prior known blind spot actuating systems for rearview mirror assemblies have suffered from a lack of reliability and short cycle life, decreased vibration performance, a lack of efficient use of space within the mirror housing, and reduced ability to provide system interchangeability.
  • the present invention provides a vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly blind spot viewing system which overcomes problems encountered with the prior known systems and provides a versatile, lower cost, reliable blind spot actuator having improved vibration performance for use on vehicles such as automobiles and trucks.
  • the invention is an exterior rearview mirror assembly blind spot viewing system for vehicles comprising an exterior rearview mirror assembly including a reflective mirror element, and a pivot member for pivotally mounting the reflective mirror element on the assembly to adjust the position of the mirror element for different fields of view for different vehicle drivers.
  • the pivot member pivotally mounts the mirror element on an axis generally aligned with the center of the mirror element.
  • a support member includes a joint for movably mounting the reflective mirror element between a first rearward viewing position and a blind spot viewing position. The joint is spaced laterally outwardly of the center axis.
  • a motive power source is provided for moving the support member and the reflective mirror element on the joint between the first rearward viewing position and the blind spot viewing position.
  • the motive power source includes an electric motor, a gear and a threaded member driven for extension and retraction by the electric motor and gear.
  • the blind spot viewing position provides an enhanced field of view for the vehicle driver in the area adjacent the vehicle on which the assembly is mounted.
  • the pivot member pivotally mounts the mirror element on an axis at a predetermined position with respect to the mirror element.
  • the joint of the support member is spaced laterally on one side of the axis at a first position, while the motive power source including an electric motor, gear and threaded member is mounted on the pivot member at a position spaced laterally on another side of the axis generally opposite to the first position.
  • the motive power source including an electric motor, gear and threaded member is mounted on the pivot member at a position spaced from the axis, while the threaded member is pivotally secured to the pivot member.
  • the threaded member may include a threaded post pivotally joined to the support member.
  • the electric motor includes a crank member pivotally secured between the motor, gear and support member.
  • the threaded member, which is extended and retracted by the motor and gear may include a push/pull cable connected to the support member.
  • the pivot member includes an actuator for adjusting the mirror element position, the actuator preferably being an electric actuator remotely controlled from the interior of the vehicle on which the assembly is mounted.
  • the support member is movably mounted on the pivot member such that the joint therebetween positioned adjacent the peripheral edge of the mirror element. More preferably, the support member may include a backing member secured to the mirror element while the assembly includes a housing.
  • the actuator is fixedly mounted to the housing and the pivot member includes a pivot plate pivotally secured to the actuator on the center axis. The joint extends between the pivot plate and the backing member.
  • the assembly in another form of the invention, includes a housing and a mounting plate within the housing.
  • the pivot member includes an actuator, such as an electric actuator, for adjusting the mirror element position, the actuator being fixedly mounted on the support member.
  • the joint extends between the support member and the mounting plate such that when the mirror assembly is moved to the blind spot viewing position, the support member, pivot member including the actuator and the reflective mirror element are all moved in unison.
  • the motive power source may include a muscle wire or an electric solenoid and one of various forms of connection to the support member.
  • an electrical control for the motive power source is provided for ease of use by all vehicle drivers.
  • a switch may be activated by the driver to move the reflective mirror element to the blind spot viewing position and to return to the normal rearward viewing position upon release of the switch.
  • a current limiting device is preferably incorporated to limit the current applied to the electric motor or to shut off the electric current when the motor is in the blind spot viewing position.
  • other switch devices could be used such as a push-push switch in which the driver pushes a button or other activating member to move the reflective mirror element to the blind spot viewing position and pushes the same activating member to return the mirror element to its normal rearward viewing position when desired.
  • an on/off type switch can be used to move the reflective mirror element to its blind spot viewing position after which the switch is moved to the alternate position to return the mirror element to its normal rearward viewing position.
  • the present invention overcomes numerous problems encountered with prior blind spot viewing systems in exterior vehicular rearview mirrors by providing a reliable, long lasting easily manufactured assembly which allows momentary actuation to view the blind spot area when changing lanes, merging, or passing another vehicle without requiring significantly increased space within the rearview mirror housing.
  • One of several types of electric drive motors can be incorporated which do not require continued application of electric power while in the blind spot viewing position and, therefore, have significantly increased life span and cycle capacity.
  • the structure of the present invention improves vibration performance over other known systems and reduces unwanted blurring in the reflective mirror element when viewed by the vehicle driver.
  • the blind spot viewing system of the present invention may be incorporated in an exterior rearview mirror on either the driver or passenger side of the vehicle to enable viewing of blind spots on either side of the vehicle.
  • FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic illustrations of the normal rearward viewing areas visible in a driver's side exterior vehicular rearview mirror and the enhanced/increased viewing area visible when the reflective mirror element is moved to the preferred blind spot viewing position;
  • FIG. 2 is a sectional plan view of one of embodiment of an exterior rearview mirror assembly for vehicles incorporating a blind spot viewing system of the present invention
  • FIG. 3 is an elevation of the rear facing side of the reflective mirror element support member of the assembly of FIG. 2 taken along plane III—III of FIG. 2;
  • FIGS. 4A-4E are a series of partial sections illustrating the assembly sequence for attaching the mirror element support member to the pivot member in FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the blind spot viewing system of the rearview mirror assembly of FIG. 2 taken along plane IV—IV of FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the blind spot viewing system of the assembly of FIG. 2 taken along plane VI—VI of FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the blind spot viewing system of FIG. 2 including the mirror element electric actuator;
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the electric motor and drive system for the blind spot viewing system of FIGS. 2, 3 and 5 - 7 ;
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective view with portions broken away of another embodiment of the exterior rearview mirror assembly for vehicles incorporating a blind spot viewing system similar to that of FIGS. 2, 3 and 5 - 7 but having a modified electric motor drive assembly;
  • FIG. 10 is a plan view of the electric motor drive assembly of FIG. 9 illustrating the electric motor, gear drive and threaded post;
  • FIG. 11 is an exploded, perspective view of the electric motor drive assembly of FIG. 10;
  • FIGS. 12A and 12B are sectional elevations taken along plane XII—XII of FIG. 10 with the threaded post in its retracted and extended positions;
  • FIGS. 13A and 13B are sectional views taken along plane XIII—XIII of FIG. 10 also illustrating the threaded post of the assembly in retracted and extended positions;
  • FIGS. 14A and 14B are perspective views of an alternate electric motor and drive assembly for the blind spot viewing system
  • FIGS. 15A and 15B are perspective views of another alternate electric motor and drive assembly for the blind spot viewing system
  • FIGS. 16A and 16B are perspective views of yet another electric motor and drive assembly for the blind spot viewing system of FIG. 2;
  • FIGS. 17A and 17B are perspective views of an electric solenoid drive useful in the blind spot viewing system of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 18 is a sectional plan view of an alternate embodiment of the rearview mirror assembly incorporating a blind spot viewing system of the present invention using a cable drive assembly;
  • FIG. 19 is a rear elevation of yet another exterior rearview mirror assembly for vehicles incorporating an alternate embodiment of the blind spot viewing system of the present invention, the reflective mirror element being shown broken away to reveal the pivot member support and pivot axis;
  • FIG. 20 is a sectional view of the rearview mirror assembly of FIG. 20 taken along plane XX—XX of FIG. 19;
  • FIG. 21 is a sectional view of the rearview mirror assembly of FIG. 19 also taken along plane XX—XX but with the reflective mirror element shown pivoted to the blind spot viewing position;
  • FIGS. 22A and 22B are perspective views of the support assembly for the reflective mirror element of FIGS. 19-21 in the normal rearward viewing position and in the blind spot viewing position, respectively.
  • FIG. 23 is a sectional view of a further embodiment of an exterior rearview mirror assembly for vehicles incorporating the blind spot viewing system of the present invention and similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 19-22 but including an alternate power source for the blind spot viewing system;
  • FIG. 24 is a sectional view of the rearview assembly of FIG. 23 with the reflective mirror element shown pivoted to the blind spot viewing position;
  • FIGS. 25A and 25B are perspective views of the support assembly for the reflective mirror element of FIGS. 23 and 24 in the normal rear viewing position and in the blind spot viewing position, respectively.
  • FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a typical driving situation in which a driver in a vehicle A such as an automobile or truck uses a driver's side exterior rearview mirror B for rearward viewing of traffic which may be approaching or present to the rear of vehicle A.
  • a driver in a vehicle A such as an automobile or truck uses a driver's side exterior rearview mirror B for rearward viewing of traffic which may be approaching or present to the rear of vehicle A.
  • the driver can view areas V 1 and V 2 via the mirror.
  • area V 1 would encompass and provide a view of other automobiles or trucks C or motorcycles D which are sufficiently to the rear of vehicle A.
  • the driver of vehicle A could not view those vehicles in mirror B or would see such a small portion thereof that those vehicles would be substantially invisible.
  • the area between areas V 1 and V 2 therefore encompasses a blind spot for the driver of vehicle A.
  • the reflective mirror element of mirror assembly B is pivoted outwardly and at an angle to the vertical which depends on the specific vehicle, such as outwardly at approximately 9° at an angle to the vertical of approximately 5° down, the driver can view the area V 3 thereby allowing him to view vehicles including automobiles, trucks and motorcycles which would otherwise be within his or her blind spot thereby substantially increasing the safety for driving vehicle A such as during lane changes, merging onto freeways, or passing other vehicles.
  • Mirror assembly 10 includes a mirror housing 12 which may be molded from a suitable polymeric material for strength and resilience and includes a bezel portion 14 having side or end walls 16 a , 16 b and an interior wall 18 molded integrally therewith to include support structure for mounting elements to be received within the housing 12 .
  • Housing 12 also includes a forward wall 20 secured to the forward facing edge of bezel portion 14 to close the mirror assembly and provide an exterior, forward facing surface which may be painted or otherwise finished in a desired color such as to match the exterior color of the vehicle on which the assembly is mounted.
  • Bezel portion 14 defines an interior cavity 22 and a rear facing opening 24 within which a reflective mirror element and its support structure is mounted.
  • a reflective mirror element 30 preferably formed from a sheet of planar or curved glass and having a coating of conventionally known reflective material such as aluminum, chrome or alloys thereof on its first or front surface or on its second or rear surface, is mounted on a mirror holder or support member 32 having an elongated shape.
  • Support member 32 is preferably molded from a resinous polymeric material and includes an upstanding lip or edge 34 at its periphery, a forwardly extending, molded rib 36 adjacent the periphery for providing stiffness and strength, and a series of J-shaped projecting clip-like hinge members 38 aligned with one another adjacent the periphery of support member 32 near its outer edge 35 .
  • Mirror element 30 is preferably secured by a suitable adhesive on the rearward facing surface 39 of the support member.
  • support member 32 is hingedly secured to a molded, resinous polymeric pivot member or pivot plate 40 which may be mounted either on a manual or electric actuator for adjusting the position of the pivot member, support member and reflective mirror element for different fields of view for different vehicle drivers from a remote position typically within the passenger compartment of the vehicle on which the mirror assembly is mounted.
  • pivot plate 40 includes a forwardly extending, upstanding circular rib 42 which is received around the periphery of a correspondingly shaped actuator mount 52 which, in turn, is universally pivotally secured to the rearward facing side of an electric actuator 50 via a pivot 54 (FIG. 5 ).
  • Electric actuator 50 may be any of numerous conventional electric actuator units a suitable one of which may be obtained from Donnelly Corporation of Holland, Mich., under Model No. D16 or MM1 or such as those actuators disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,900,999, No. 5,986,364, No. 6,168,279, No. 6,213,612, No. 6,243,218, and No. 6,094,027, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
  • Actuator 50 is fixedly secured within the interior of housing 14 on interior wall 18 .
  • Pivot plate 40 also includes an axle 44 spaced forwardly of the forward surface of pivot member 40 on upstanding legs or projections 46 (FIGS. 4 , 5 and 7 ).
  • Axle 44 which can be formed from metal or plastic, such as by molding the axle with pivot plate 40 , is adapted to snap fit within hinge members 38 as will be described more fully below. As will also be described more fully below, axle 44 is positioned at an angle to the vertical such that when support member 32 is pivoted to the blind spot viewing position with mirror element 30 , an appropriate blind spot viewing area will be seen in the mirror surface.
  • a motive power source 60 is mounted on the interior, forward side of pivot plate 40 adjacent the end of the pivot plate which is opposite to the end which includes axle 44 on the opposite side of the actuator mounting rib 42 .
  • Pivot plate 40 includes an upstanding cylindrical rib 47 on the interior surface of plate 40 spaced radially outwardly from an aperture 48 through which an actuating member comprising a threaded rod 74 or the like is driven to move support member 32 and reflective mirror element 30 in unison to the blind spot viewing position.
  • a power source assembly 60 Secured to the mounting area adjacent aperture 48 and rib 47 is a power source assembly 60 including an electric motor 62 and a gear drive assembly 64 .
  • Gear drive assembly 64 includes a generally cylindrical outer shell or housing 66 having a cylindrical base portion 66 a and an integral, upstanding conical portion 66 b .
  • Housing 66 is adhered or otherwise secured to the interior side of pivot plate 40 adjacent rib 47 such that it is coaxial with aperture 48 and has its weight supported by plate 40 .
  • Electric motor 62 is mounted on pivot plate 40 adjacent gear drive assembly 64 .
  • Motor 62 includes a drive shaft 68 on which a worm gear 70 is mounted for engagement with a ring gear 72 rotatably mounted within cylindrical housing portion 66 a as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.
  • Ring gear 72 is internally threaded for engagement with threaded post 74 which, when ring gear 72 is driven by motor 62 via shaft and worm gear 70 , extends or retracts the threaded post as well as pivot support member or mirror holder 32 toward and away from pivot plate 40 .
  • Threaded post 74 At the upper end of threaded post 74 is a ball member 76 integrally formed therewith for receipt in a socket 37 formed on the interior side of support member 32 .
  • Socket 37 is positioned on the opposite side of actuator 50 from hinge members 38 (see FIGS. 3 and 8 ).
  • the threaded post can tilt or shift laterally to accommodate the pivotal movement of support member 32 as compared to the axis of aperture 48 and housing 66 as shown in FIG. 6 .
  • electric motor 62 is of the type manufactured by Mabuchi Motor of Japan under Model No. FK 130 RD.
  • mirror holder or support member 32 is preferably assembled to pivot plate 40 by holding support member 32 inverted with its rear surface adjacent axle 44 such that hinge members 38 are adjacent the axle (FIG. 4 A). The support member is then moved toward axle 44 downwardly over the axle until the axle (FIG. 4B) is received on the curved interiors of the aligned hinge members (FIG. 4 C). The support member is then rotated until it is in contact with pivot plate 40 thereby retaining axle 44 in hinge members 38 (FIGS. 4 D and 4 E).
  • motor 62 is a reversible, high torque, high rpm electric motor which rotates shaft 68 at high speed to rapidly extend and/or retract threaded post 74 upon application of electric current to the motor for substantially immediate pivoting of support member 30 .
  • FIG. 1 is a reversible, high torque, high rpm electric motor which rotates shaft 68 at high speed to rapidly extend and/or retract threaded post 74 upon application of electric current to the motor for substantially immediate pivoting of support member 30 .
  • the pivotal motion of the support member and mirror element is outwardly away from housing 12 with only a small marginal area of the support plate between hinge members 38 and its outer periphery 35 extending slightly inwardly within the housing.
  • the hinge axis of axle 44 and hinge members 38 is spaced laterally outwardly from the centered position of pivot 54 to the position adjacent the periphery of the support member 32 and mirror element 30 , the blind spot viewing system can be readily incorporated in conventionally sized exterior rearview mirror housings without requiring any significant additional size or space.
  • the weight of the power source is fully supported by the pivot plate and actuator 50 so that there is little or no vibrational affect from the weight of that assembly on the movable support member or reflective mirror element.
  • threaded post 74 provides a rigid support for support member 32 and mirror element 30 , the reflective mirror surface is less subject to vibration effects and/or blurring, both in its blind spot viewing position, and in the normal rearward viewing position.
  • mirror assembly 10 ′ is substantially similar to mirror assembly 10 except for the substitution of a different gear assembly 64 ′ instead of gear assembly 64 .
  • mirror assembly 10 ′ includes a mirror housing 12 , bezel portion 14 , forward wall 20 , reflective mirror element 30 , mirror holder or support member 32 , pivot plate 40 and hinge members 38 and axle 44 all substantially as shown in mirror assembly 10 .
  • electric motor 62 drives a worm gear 70 which engages a telescoping gear assembly which is more compact than gear assembly 64 , yet allows extension of the support member 32 and mirror element 30 to the same or even greater distance than gear drive assembly 64 .
  • Gear drive assembly 64 ′ includes an outer shell or housing 66 ′ having a cylindrical base portion 66 a ′, a first, integral, upstanding cylindrical subportion 66 b ′ and a third cylindrical, integral subportion 66 c ′ as well as an integral motor support tray 67 ′ (FIG. 11 ), all of which are preferably molded in one piece from a resinous polymeric material such as a nylon, polyester, or ABS material.
  • Housing 66 ′ is adhered or otherwise secured to the interior side of pivot plate 40 such that cylindrical portions 66 a ′, 66 b ′ and 66 c ′ are coaxial with aperture 48 and have their weight supported by pivot plate 40 just as in assembly 10 .
  • worm gear 70 engages a modified ring or drive gear 72 ′ including an integral, axially extending housing 73 ′ having parallel, diametrically opposed slots 75 ′ on opposite sides thereof.
  • a cylindrical collar 77 ′ including radially extending, cylindrical ears 77 a ′ and 77 b ′ is telescoped within the hollow interior of housing portion 73 ′ such that ears 77 a ′, 77 b ′ ride and slide within slots 75 ′.
  • Threadably engaged on the threaded interior of collar 77 ′ is extendable, threaded post 74 ′ having a pivot head 76 ′ adapted to be pivotally secured within socket 37 just as in mirror assembly 10 .
  • the hinge motion of mirror support 32 and mirror element 30 is preferably both outward and at a slight downward angle in order to provide proper viewing of the blind spot area.
  • the reflective mirror element In order to achieve a view having a vertical dimension in the same location in the blind spot area as compared to the usual rear vision area visible in the exterior rearview mirror with a target vehicle at the same distance from the viewing driver in both areas, the reflective mirror element must pivot both outwardly and upwardly to a blind spot viewing position.
  • vehicles are actually closer to the car in which the viewing driver is riding, thereby requiring the vertical dimension of the view to be lowered. The amount by which the pivotal motion must extend downwardly depends on each specific vehicle.
  • the blind spot viewing area will encompass most automobile, motorcycle or other vehicles in the blind spot viewing area V 3 as is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.
  • the mirror element is pivoted outwardly 9° and downwardly 5° to reach the blind spot viewing position.
  • FIGS. 14-17 various alternate embodiments of power source 60 may be used in mirror assemblies 10 or 10 ′ to provide operation of the blind spot viewing system.
  • motor 62 may be fitted with a disk 81 fixedly secured to shaft 68 .
  • Disk 81 has a curved crank member 82 pivotally mounted near its periphery at 84 .
  • the outer end 86 of crank 82 is adapted to be secured to support member 32 at or adjacent socket 37 .
  • crank 82 is extended, thereby pivoting support member 32 and mirror element 30 through the desired angle about hinge members 38 and axle 44 .
  • reverse actuation of the motor 62 causes rotation of shaft 68 through 180° to retract crank 82 and return support member 32 to its normal rearward viewing position.
  • FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate another alternative power source 90 including electric motor 62 and elongated cam member 91 fixedly secured to shaft 68 .
  • shaft 68 Upon actuation of motor 62 , shaft 68 will rotate causing cam 91 to engage the interior surface of the support member causing outward pivotal movement. Reverse rotation of the motor returns the support member to its original position.
  • yet another alternative power source 94 includes an electric motor 62 and an elongated worm gear 95 mounted on the shaft of the motor.
  • a threaded collar 96 is engaged with worm gear 95 to which is pivotally secured an elongated crank or yoke 98 having a socket 99 pivotally secured to the underside of support member 32 such as at socket 37 .
  • collar 96 is moved toward motor 62 thereby forcing pivot 99 upwardly on yoke 98 to move support member 32 outwardly.
  • Rotation of worm gear 95 in the opposite direction moves collar 96 outwardly away from motor 62 and lowers pivot 99 and the, thus, support member 32 .
  • Solenoid 100 includes a flanged housing 102 adapted to be secured to the interior side of pivot plate 40 in the same position in which gear assembly 64 is mounted shown in FIGS. 5, 6 or 9 .
  • Solenoid 100 includes an extendible shaft 104 which is moved outwardly upon application of electric current to the solenoid. Hence, upon application of electric current, solenoid 100 is activated to extend shaft 104 to move support member 32 and mirror element 30 outwardly on hinge 38 and axle 44 in the manner described above. Deactivation of the solenoid retracts shaft 104 and returns the support member to its original position.
  • Mirror assembly 110 includes a molded polymeric exterior housing 112 similar to that in mirror embodiment 10 along with actuator 50 mounted on interior wall 114 of housing 112 .
  • Actuator 50 includes a pivot actuator 52 moveable about a pivot axis 54 which is centered on reflective mirror element 30 mounted in support member 32 ′.
  • a modified pivot plate 120 is secured to the interior surface of a modified support member 32 ′ and, in turn, to pivot actuator 52 via circumferential flange 122 .
  • Pivot member 120 also includes axle 124 which receives hinge members 38 in the manner described above for axle 44 in connection with mirror assembly 10 .
  • a flexible, coaxial cable 130 is secured via enlarged cable end 134 in socket 128 on support member 32 ′.
  • Cable end 134 is formed on the end of a flexible, non-extendible, non-compressible push-pull interior cable 132 which passes through aperture 126 and is secured to socket 128 .
  • the opposite end of the external sheath 131 of cable 130 is secured in a socket 136 on the exterior of a housing 135 mounted internally of mirror assembly 110 on the opposite side of wall 114 from actuator 50 .
  • Interior cable 132 extends through an aperture in socket 136 and is secured to a threaded collar 138 via cable head 140 .
  • Collar 138 is, in turn, threadedly mounted worm gear 142 fixedly secured to shaft 68 of electric motor 62 of the type described above in connection with mirror assembly 10 . Accordingly, motor 62 , collar 138 and gear 142 are positioned at a remote location from support member 32 ′ and mirror element 30 but are connected via cable 130 to the support member for pivotal movement of the mirror element through angle ⁇ to provide blind spot viewing when motor 62 is actuated by the vehicle driver through various switch apparatus on the interior of the vehicle.
  • the arrangement of mirror assembly 110 avoids the positioning of motor 62 or gearing 138 , 140 on pivot plate 120 and allows such elements to be fixedly secured in a rigid housing at a location within the mirror assembly thereby avoiding any vibration degradation with respect to mirror element 30 .
  • Cable 130 is sufficiently flexible to be routed through small internal spaces within the mirror housing for connection to the support member for movement of the mirror element without requiring significant additional space within the mirror housing. Additionally, cable 130 is sufficiently flexible to allow necessary pivoting of support member 32 and mirror element 30 through the desired angle ⁇ (preferably 9°) regardless of the adjusted position of pivot member 120 on actuator 50 while a accommodating the slight lateral movement of socket 128 as it moves outwardly.
  • Mirror assembly 150 includes a rigid, molded mirror housing 152 having a rearward opening defining a cavity within the housing in which are mounted reflective mirror element 154 and support structure for adjusting the position of that element. More specifically, a reflective mirror element 154 similar to mirror element 30 above is mounted on molded, resinous polymeric pivot member 156 which, in turn, is pivotally secured to electric actuator 158 by pivot connector 159 for universal movement and adjustment of the position of the mirror element for different fields of view for different vehicle drivers. As in mirror embodiments 10 and 110 , actuator 158 can be of the type available from Donnelly Corporation of Holland, Mich., under Model No.
  • a pivot axis 159 for actuator 158 is preferably centered behind mirror element 154 as in mirror embodiments 10 and 110 .
  • actuator 158 is fixedly secured to molded, resinous polymeric support member or support plate 160 .
  • Support member 160 is, in turn, pivotally mounted to a molded, resinous polymeric mounting plate 166 by J-shaped hinge members 162 engaging axle 164 formed at the outer end of mounting plate 166 .
  • Mounting plate 166 is fixedly secured within mirror housing 152 .
  • An electric solenoid 170 such as solenoid 100 is mounted in alignment with aperture 168 in mounting plate 166 and includes an extendible shaft 172 similar to that for solenoid 100 .
  • solenoid 170 Upon actuation, solenoid 170 causes extension of shaft 172 thereby pivoting support member 160 , actuator 158 , pivot member 156 and mirror element 154 in unison through a desired angle to provide blind spot viewing (FIG. 17 ).
  • shaft 172 Upon deactivation of solenoid 170 , shaft 172 is withdrawn and support member 160 , actuator 158 , pivot member 156 and mirror element 154 are returned to their normal rearward viewing positions.
  • a spring 174 is mounted over the ends of support plate 160 and mounting plate 166 at the end opposite hinge 162 /axle 164 to urge the support member 160 back to its original position upon deactivation of solenoid 170 .
  • FIGS. 23-25 A further embodiment 200 of an external rearview mirror assembly incorporating the blind spot viewing system of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 23-25.
  • Mirror assembly 200 is similar to embodiment 150 but includes a modified power source for moving the assembly between the normal rear viewing position and the blind spot viewing position. More specifically, assembly 200 includes a rigid, molded mirror housing 152 , reflective mirror element 154 , molded resinous polymeric pivot member 156 and electric actuator 158 , all of which are substantially similar to those in mirror assembly 150 .
  • actuator 158 is fixedly secured to molded, resinous polymeric support member or support plate 160 which, in turn, is pivotally mounted to a molded, resinous polymeric mounting plate 166 by J-shaped hinge members 162 engaging axle 164 formed at the outer end of mounting plate 166 ′.
  • Mounting plate 166 ′ is fixedly secured within the mirror housing.
  • assembly 200 includes an electric motor of the type shown at 62 , and gear drive assembly 64 ′ like that shown in mirror embodiment 10 ′ described above in connection with FIGS. 9-13. Upon actuation, the electric motor drives a worm gear engaging drive gear 72 ′ which, in turn, moves collar 73 ′ and threaded post 74 ′ outwardly as shown in FIG.
  • a spring 174 similar to that used in assembly 150 may be mounted over the ends of support plate 160 and mounting plate 166 ′ at the end opposite hinge 162 /axle 164 to urge the support member 160 back to its original position upon activation of the electric motor and return of the threaded post 74 ′ to its original position.
  • Threaded post 74 ′ may be pivotally connected to a socket 37 ′ or other structure on the underside of support plate 160 in the manner described above for mirror assemblies 10 and 10 ′.
  • an electrical control circuit 220 (FIG. 7) is connected to the electric motor for operation of the blind spot viewing system.
  • the circuit is formed on a printed circuit board 222 mounted within the housing of the mirror assembly and is connected to a switch 224 adapted to be activated by a driver within the cabin or passenger compartment of the vehicle on which the exterior mirror assembly including the blind spot viewing system is mounted.
  • switch 224 When switch 224 is activated, the electric motor is actuated and pivotal movement of the support member and mirror element is initiated in the manner described above.
  • circuit includes a current limiting device 226 which limits application of electric current to the electric motor when the motor is actuated to move the mirror element to its blind spot viewing position.
  • current limiting device 226 reduces the electrical current applied to the electric motor when in the blind spot viewing position. In this form, the current applied to the motor in that position is at a reduced level but adequate to hold the motor in its extended position but of sufficiently low level to avoid damage to the motor.
  • current limiting device 226 ′ completely shuts off electric current to the motor leaving the mirror element in that position until the electric motor is activated in the reverse direction.
  • a push/push switch can be connected to the circuit in which the driver pushes a button or other activating member to activate the electric motor and move the mirror element to its blind spot viewing position. Thereafter, the driver pushes the same button or activating member to return the motor and mirror element to its normal rearward viewing position.
  • an on/off type switch can be used in which the driver pushes the switch one way to activate the motor and another way to deactivate the motor and return the mirror element to its normal viewing position.
  • Yet another method of switching can be used in which the driver activates the switch and physically holds the switch until deactivation of the blind spot viewing position is desired.
  • a sensing device or sensor 228 can be included in the electrical control circuit which includes the above described current limiting device when the motor or other power source is extended sufficiently for the mirror element to reach the blind spot viewing position.
  • the device includes the current limiting device described above as the motor or power source reaches the extended position and detects when the driver releases the switch and causes the device to return to the normal rearward viewing position at which point electric current is shut off from the motor once again.
  • the current limiting device described above is a relay which reduces power applied to the electric motor.
  • the rearview mirror assembly incorporating the blind spot viewing system could incorporate a stepper motor, as is conventionally known.
  • stepper motor could be incorporated in any of the actuators such as those shown at 50 or 158 mentioned above, thereby eliminating the need for a separate power source for actuation of the assembly to the blind spot viewing system.
  • the stepper motor which is operated by electrical pulses and controlled by a circuit board mounted either in the mirror assembly or elsewhere in the vehicle, could be programmed to change its speed from a normal rearview mirror position adjustment speed of approximately 2 degrees to about 4 degrees per second, preferably about 3 degrees per second, to a much faster speed of greater than about 5 degrees per second, more preferably greater than about 10 degrees per second, and most preferably greater than about 15 degrees per second.
  • a preferred range of speed is from about 15 degrees per second to about 25 degrees per second, more preferably about 17 degrees per second to about 20 degrees per second, so that the reflective mirror element could be moved by the actuator 50 or 158 itself rapidly to the blind spot viewing position and then returned to the normal rearward viewing position without the need for an additional power source.
  • the blind spot viewing system of the present invention could be actuated by various devices including, but not limited to, an ultrasonic or other sensor which can sense the presence of a vehicle or object in the blind spot area such as area V 3 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, a camera adapted to view an area such as area V 3 adjacent the vehicle on which the blind spot viewing system is mounted, or a manual actuator such as those described above or others.
  • an ultrasonic or other sensor which can sense the presence of a vehicle or object in the blind spot area such as area V 3 of FIGS. 1A and 1B
  • a camera adapted to view an area such as area V 3 adjacent the vehicle on which the blind spot viewing system is mounted
  • a manual actuator such as those described above or others.
  • the exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system of the present invention could also include other features such as ground illumination lighting as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,497,306, No. 5,669,699, No. 5,823,654, No. 6,176,602, and No. 6,276,821, an electronic control module, an antenna, a transmitter, a receiver, or a sensor as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,475, the disclosures of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
  • mirror element 30 may also be an electro-optic mirror element, such as an electrochromic or electrochemichromic rearview mirror element, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,816, No. 5,142,407, No. 5,140,455, and No. 5,910,854, or a solid state electrochromic rearview mirror element as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,712,879 and No. 5,668,663, the disclosures of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
  • electro-optic mirror element such as an electrochromic or electrochemichromic rearview mirror element, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,816, No. 5,142,407, No. 5,140,455, and No. 5,910,854, or a solid state electrochromic rearview mirror element as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,712,879 and No. 5,668,663, the disclosures of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

Abstract

A vehicular exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system includes an exterior rearview mirror assembly which enables moving the reflective mirror element to an alternate position for viewing of areas adjacent the vehicle which otherwise would be hidden in the driver's blind spot. The blind spot system includes a reflective mirror element mounted on a pivot member such as an electric actuator for adjusting the field of view of the mirror element for different drivers about an axis which is preferably centered on the mirror element. A support member has a joint spaced laterally of the axis and pivotally connected to the pivot member for moving the mirror element between a first rearward viewing position and a blind spot viewing position. A power source such as an electric motor is preferably mounted on the pivot member and is spaced from the support member joint, and includes a threaded member pivotally connected to the support member and driven by a gear. The electric motor is preferably connected via a control circuit to a remote switch such as in the passenger compartment to allow the driver to pivot the support member and mirror element for blind spot viewing when desired.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/252,149, filed Nov. 20, 2000, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to exterior rearview mirrors for vehicles and, more particularly, to a vehicular rearview mirror system allowing repositioning of the mirror reflector for desired time periods to view areas adjacent the vehicle which otherwise would be hidden from view in the driver's blind spot to improve safety during lane changes, merging with or passing of other vehicles.
Continuing efforts to improving occupant safety in the automotive and vehicular industry has recently focussed attention on the unsafe condition when driving a vehicle known as the “blind spot.” In the typical rearview mirror system incorporated in most vehicles today, an interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted on the inside of the vehicle and includes a mirror reflector used by the driver to view rearwardly of the vehicle to judge traffic to allow passing, lane changes, operation in reverse and the like. In conjunction with the interior rearview mirror assembly, a passenger side and/or driver side exterior mirror assemblies are normally used by the driver to extend the field of view both laterally and rearwardly of the vehicle. However, when using both the interior and exterior mirror reflectors of such assemblies, a driver normally encounters an area next to the vehicle that cannot be viewed with either the interior or exterior mirror reflector. When passing another vehicle, changing lanes on a highway or merging into freeway traffic, such a blind spot experienced by the driver using existing mirror systems can often hide an adjacent vehicle leading to potentially injurious conditions or accidents.
To improve a driver's vision and help reduce blind spots while driving, a blind spot actuator can be added to an exterior rearview mirror assembly which will quickly reposition the reflective surface of the mirror when activated such that the blind spot size decreases greatly or is eliminated. When deactivated, the blind spot actuator quickly returns the reflective mirror surface to its original position for normal rearward viewing.
A variety of blind spot actuators have been previously proposed. One prior known assembly includes a hinge plate, spring and electric motor combination incorporated in the exterior rearview mirror. When in the normal driving position, the electric motor is deactivated and the spring is retracted. However, when activated, the electrical motor drives a gear mechanism to change the angular position of the mirror. Electric power is continuously supplied to the motor in order to hold the mirror in the extended position. When power is removed, the force applied by the motor is removed and the spring applies a return force to the mirror which urges the mirror back to its normal position. Such an assembly, however, requires the motor to be in a stall position with electrical power applied as long as the driver desires to view the blind spot. Since the blind spot actuator will be used very frequently by a vehicle driver, the large cycle requirement for the assembly in which the stall position is maintained in each cycle reduces the life of the electric motor.
In addition to severe requirements for the drive motor, the above system may experience significant vibration distortion for the driver when viewing the system while driving on a highway. For example, the spring which is extended when the blind spot actuator is activated is in a relaxed position when the reflective surface is in the normal position. This allows road shocks and other vibration to affect the mirror. In addition, the drive motor assembly is attached to the mirror holder. Such additional weight of the drive motor may degrade the vibration performance of the reflective surface.
Further, many prior known electrically operated blind spot actuator systems such as that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,522 to Janowicz U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,971,430; 5,097,362; and 5,159,497 to Lynas; U.S. Pat. No. 5,033,835 to Platzer, Jr.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,745,310 to Mathieu have rotated the reflective surface of the mirror about a pivot axis centered within a surrounding mirror housing. Because of such positioning, the remote ends of the reflective mirror surface must travel a significant distance within the housing to accommodate all necessary adjustment positions. Such movement requires additional space within the mirror housing and reduces the amount of available housing area useful for positioning other required mirror assembly components. In addition, the pivot supports for the reflective mirror element in such prior known systems including the above Janowicz, Lynas and Mathieu patents have been of significant size and cause the reflective mirror surface to be positioned a large distance from the center of the adjustment mechanism. This likewise decreases vibration performance of the overall assembly and creates manufacturing difficulties in forming an interchangeable system in which a single mirror housing can include either a blind spot actuator or a normal mirror glass as desired.
Therefore, prior known blind spot actuating systems for rearview mirror assemblies have suffered from a lack of reliability and short cycle life, decreased vibration performance, a lack of efficient use of space within the mirror housing, and reduced ability to provide system interchangeability.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention provides a vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly blind spot viewing system which overcomes problems encountered with the prior known systems and provides a versatile, lower cost, reliable blind spot actuator having improved vibration performance for use on vehicles such as automobiles and trucks.
In one form, the invention is an exterior rearview mirror assembly blind spot viewing system for vehicles comprising an exterior rearview mirror assembly including a reflective mirror element, and a pivot member for pivotally mounting the reflective mirror element on the assembly to adjust the position of the mirror element for different fields of view for different vehicle drivers. The pivot member pivotally mounts the mirror element on an axis generally aligned with the center of the mirror element. A support member includes a joint for movably mounting the reflective mirror element between a first rearward viewing position and a blind spot viewing position. The joint is spaced laterally outwardly of the center axis. A motive power source is provided for moving the support member and the reflective mirror element on the joint between the first rearward viewing position and the blind spot viewing position. The motive power source includes an electric motor, a gear and a threaded member driven for extension and retraction by the electric motor and gear. The blind spot viewing position provides an enhanced field of view for the vehicle driver in the area adjacent the vehicle on which the assembly is mounted.
In another form of the invention, the pivot member pivotally mounts the mirror element on an axis at a predetermined position with respect to the mirror element. The joint of the support member is spaced laterally on one side of the axis at a first position, while the motive power source including an electric motor, gear and threaded member is mounted on the pivot member at a position spaced laterally on another side of the axis generally opposite to the first position.
In a further form of the invention, the motive power source including an electric motor, gear and threaded member is mounted on the pivot member at a position spaced from the axis, while the threaded member is pivotally secured to the pivot member.
Preferably, the threaded member may include a threaded post pivotally joined to the support member. Alternately, the electric motor includes a crank member pivotally secured between the motor, gear and support member. In yet another form, the threaded member, which is extended and retracted by the motor and gear, may include a push/pull cable connected to the support member.
In a preferred form of the invention, the pivot member includes an actuator for adjusting the mirror element position, the actuator preferably being an electric actuator remotely controlled from the interior of the vehicle on which the assembly is mounted. The support member is movably mounted on the pivot member such that the joint therebetween positioned adjacent the peripheral edge of the mirror element. More preferably, the support member may include a backing member secured to the mirror element while the assembly includes a housing. The actuator is fixedly mounted to the housing and the pivot member includes a pivot plate pivotally secured to the actuator on the center axis. The joint extends between the pivot plate and the backing member.
In another form of the invention, the assembly includes a housing and a mounting plate within the housing. The pivot member includes an actuator, such as an electric actuator, for adjusting the mirror element position, the actuator being fixedly mounted on the support member. The joint extends between the support member and the mounting plate such that when the mirror assembly is moved to the blind spot viewing position, the support member, pivot member including the actuator and the reflective mirror element are all moved in unison.
In various other forms of the invention, the motive power source may include a muscle wire or an electric solenoid and one of various forms of connection to the support member.
In other preferred aspects of the invention, an electrical control for the motive power source is provided for ease of use by all vehicle drivers. In one form, a switch may be activated by the driver to move the reflective mirror element to the blind spot viewing position and to return to the normal rearward viewing position upon release of the switch. A current limiting device is preferably incorporated to limit the current applied to the electric motor or to shut off the electric current when the motor is in the blind spot viewing position. Alternately, other switch devices could be used such as a push-push switch in which the driver pushes a button or other activating member to move the reflective mirror element to the blind spot viewing position and pushes the same activating member to return the mirror element to its normal rearward viewing position when desired. Alternately, an on/off type switch can be used to move the reflective mirror element to its blind spot viewing position after which the switch is moved to the alternate position to return the mirror element to its normal rearward viewing position.
The present invention overcomes numerous problems encountered with prior blind spot viewing systems in exterior vehicular rearview mirrors by providing a reliable, long lasting easily manufactured assembly which allows momentary actuation to view the blind spot area when changing lanes, merging, or passing another vehicle without requiring significantly increased space within the rearview mirror housing. One of several types of electric drive motors can be incorporated which do not require continued application of electric power while in the blind spot viewing position and, therefore, have significantly increased life span and cycle capacity. In addition, the structure of the present invention improves vibration performance over other known systems and reduces unwanted blurring in the reflective mirror element when viewed by the vehicle driver. In addition, the blind spot viewing system of the present invention may be incorporated in an exterior rearview mirror on either the driver or passenger side of the vehicle to enable viewing of blind spots on either side of the vehicle.
These and other objects, advantages, purposes and features of the invention will become more apparent from a study of the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic illustrations of the normal rearward viewing areas visible in a driver's side exterior vehicular rearview mirror and the enhanced/increased viewing area visible when the reflective mirror element is moved to the preferred blind spot viewing position;
FIG. 2 is a sectional plan view of one of embodiment of an exterior rearview mirror assembly for vehicles incorporating a blind spot viewing system of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is an elevation of the rear facing side of the reflective mirror element support member of the assembly of FIG. 2 taken along plane III—III of FIG. 2;
FIGS. 4A-4E are a series of partial sections illustrating the assembly sequence for attaching the mirror element support member to the pivot member in FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the blind spot viewing system of the rearview mirror assembly of FIG. 2 taken along plane IV—IV of FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the blind spot viewing system of the assembly of FIG. 2 taken along plane VI—VI of FIG. 3;
FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the blind spot viewing system of FIG. 2 including the mirror element electric actuator;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the electric motor and drive system for the blind spot viewing system of FIGS. 2, 3 and 5-7;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view with portions broken away of another embodiment of the exterior rearview mirror assembly for vehicles incorporating a blind spot viewing system similar to that of FIGS. 2, 3 and 5-7 but having a modified electric motor drive assembly;
FIG. 10 is a plan view of the electric motor drive assembly of FIG. 9 illustrating the electric motor, gear drive and threaded post;
FIG. 11 is an exploded, perspective view of the electric motor drive assembly of FIG. 10;
FIGS. 12A and 12B are sectional elevations taken along plane XII—XII of FIG. 10 with the threaded post in its retracted and extended positions;
FIGS. 13A and 13B are sectional views taken along plane XIII—XIII of FIG. 10 also illustrating the threaded post of the assembly in retracted and extended positions;
FIGS. 14A and 14B are perspective views of an alternate electric motor and drive assembly for the blind spot viewing system;
FIGS. 15A and 15B are perspective views of another alternate electric motor and drive assembly for the blind spot viewing system;
FIGS. 16A and 16B are perspective views of yet another electric motor and drive assembly for the blind spot viewing system of FIG. 2;
FIGS. 17A and 17B are perspective views of an electric solenoid drive useful in the blind spot viewing system of FIG. 2;
FIG. 18 is a sectional plan view of an alternate embodiment of the rearview mirror assembly incorporating a blind spot viewing system of the present invention using a cable drive assembly;
FIG. 19 is a rear elevation of yet another exterior rearview mirror assembly for vehicles incorporating an alternate embodiment of the blind spot viewing system of the present invention, the reflective mirror element being shown broken away to reveal the pivot member support and pivot axis;
FIG. 20 is a sectional view of the rearview mirror assembly of FIG. 20 taken along plane XX—XX of FIG. 19;
FIG. 21 is a sectional view of the rearview mirror assembly of FIG. 19 also taken along plane XX—XX but with the reflective mirror element shown pivoted to the blind spot viewing position; and
FIGS. 22A and 22B are perspective views of the support assembly for the reflective mirror element of FIGS. 19-21 in the normal rearward viewing position and in the blind spot viewing position, respectively.
FIG. 23 is a sectional view of a further embodiment of an exterior rearview mirror assembly for vehicles incorporating the blind spot viewing system of the present invention and similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 19-22 but including an alternate power source for the blind spot viewing system;
FIG. 24 is a sectional view of the rearview assembly of FIG. 23 with the reflective mirror element shown pivoted to the blind spot viewing position; and
FIGS. 25A and 25B are perspective views of the support assembly for the reflective mirror element of FIGS. 23 and 24 in the normal rear viewing position and in the blind spot viewing position, respectively.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to the drawings in greater detail, FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a typical driving situation in which a driver in a vehicle A such as an automobile or truck uses a driver's side exterior rearview mirror B for rearward viewing of traffic which may be approaching or present to the rear of vehicle A. From the typical driver's position with exterior mirror assembly B properly adjusted, the driver can view areas V1 and V2 via the mirror. As such, area V1 would encompass and provide a view of other automobiles or trucks C or motorcycles D which are sufficiently to the rear of vehicle A. However, for vehicles or motorcycles C1 or D1 in the area between viewing areas V1 and V2, the driver of vehicle A could not view those vehicles in mirror B or would see such a small portion thereof that those vehicles would be substantially invisible. The area between areas V1 and V2 therefore encompasses a blind spot for the driver of vehicle A. However, when the reflective mirror element of mirror assembly B is pivoted outwardly and at an angle to the vertical which depends on the specific vehicle, such as outwardly at approximately 9° at an angle to the vertical of approximately 5° down, the driver can view the area V3 thereby allowing him to view vehicles including automobiles, trucks and motorcycles which would otherwise be within his or her blind spot thereby substantially increasing the safety for driving vehicle A such as during lane changes, merging onto freeways, or passing other vehicles.
Referring now to FIGS. 2-8, a first embodiment 10 of an exterior rearview mirror assembly incorporating a blind spot viewing system of the present invention is illustrated. Mirror assembly 10 includes a mirror housing 12 which may be molded from a suitable polymeric material for strength and resilience and includes a bezel portion 14 having side or end walls 16 a, 16 b and an interior wall 18 molded integrally therewith to include support structure for mounting elements to be received within the housing 12. Housing 12 also includes a forward wall 20 secured to the forward facing edge of bezel portion 14 to close the mirror assembly and provide an exterior, forward facing surface which may be painted or otherwise finished in a desired color such as to match the exterior color of the vehicle on which the assembly is mounted. Bezel portion 14 defines an interior cavity 22 and a rear facing opening 24 within which a reflective mirror element and its support structure is mounted.
As is best seen in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5-8, a reflective mirror element 30, preferably formed from a sheet of planar or curved glass and having a coating of conventionally known reflective material such as aluminum, chrome or alloys thereof on its first or front surface or on its second or rear surface, is mounted on a mirror holder or support member 32 having an elongated shape. Support member 32 is preferably molded from a resinous polymeric material and includes an upstanding lip or edge 34 at its periphery, a forwardly extending, molded rib 36 adjacent the periphery for providing stiffness and strength, and a series of J-shaped projecting clip-like hinge members 38 aligned with one another adjacent the periphery of support member 32 near its outer edge 35. Mirror element 30 is preferably secured by a suitable adhesive on the rearward facing surface 39 of the support member. Preferably, support member 32 is hingedly secured to a molded, resinous polymeric pivot member or pivot plate 40 which may be mounted either on a manual or electric actuator for adjusting the position of the pivot member, support member and reflective mirror element for different fields of view for different vehicle drivers from a remote position typically within the passenger compartment of the vehicle on which the mirror assembly is mounted. Preferably, pivot plate 40 includes a forwardly extending, upstanding circular rib 42 which is received around the periphery of a correspondingly shaped actuator mount 52 which, in turn, is universally pivotally secured to the rearward facing side of an electric actuator 50 via a pivot 54 (FIG. 5). Electric actuator 50 may be any of numerous conventional electric actuator units a suitable one of which may be obtained from Donnelly Corporation of Holland, Mich., under Model No. D16 or MM1 or such as those actuators disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,900,999, No. 5,986,364, No. 6,168,279, No. 6,213,612, No. 6,243,218, and No. 6,094,027, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. Actuator 50 is fixedly secured within the interior of housing 14 on interior wall 18. Pivot plate 40 also includes an axle 44 spaced forwardly of the forward surface of pivot member 40 on upstanding legs or projections 46 (FIGS. 4,5 and 7). Axle 44, which can be formed from metal or plastic, such as by molding the axle with pivot plate 40, is adapted to snap fit within hinge members 38 as will be described more fully below. As will also be described more fully below, axle 44 is positioned at an angle to the vertical such that when support member 32 is pivoted to the blind spot viewing position with mirror element 30, an appropriate blind spot viewing area will be seen in the mirror surface.
As shown in FIGS. 5-8, a motive power source 60 is mounted on the interior, forward side of pivot plate 40 adjacent the end of the pivot plate which is opposite to the end which includes axle 44 on the opposite side of the actuator mounting rib 42. Pivot plate 40 includes an upstanding cylindrical rib 47 on the interior surface of plate 40 spaced radially outwardly from an aperture 48 through which an actuating member comprising a threaded rod 74 or the like is driven to move support member 32 and reflective mirror element 30 in unison to the blind spot viewing position. Secured to the mounting area adjacent aperture 48 and rib 47 is a power source assembly 60 including an electric motor 62 and a gear drive assembly 64. Gear drive assembly 64 includes a generally cylindrical outer shell or housing 66 having a cylindrical base portion 66 a and an integral, upstanding conical portion 66 b. Housing 66 is adhered or otherwise secured to the interior side of pivot plate 40 adjacent rib 47 such that it is coaxial with aperture 48 and has its weight supported by plate 40.
As is best seen in FIGS. 5-8, electric motor 62 is mounted on pivot plate 40 adjacent gear drive assembly 64. Motor 62 includes a drive shaft 68 on which a worm gear 70 is mounted for engagement with a ring gear 72 rotatably mounted within cylindrical housing portion 66 a as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Ring gear 72 is internally threaded for engagement with threaded post 74 which, when ring gear 72 is driven by motor 62 via shaft and worm gear 70, extends or retracts the threaded post as well as pivot support member or mirror holder 32 toward and away from pivot plate 40. At the upper end of threaded post 74 is a ball member 76 integrally formed therewith for receipt in a socket 37 formed on the interior side of support member 32. Socket 37 is positioned on the opposite side of actuator 50 from hinge members 38 (see FIGS. 3 and 8). When threaded post 74 is extended and retracted to pivot support member 32 and, thus, reflective mirror element 30 about axle 44 on hinge members 38, the threaded post can tilt or shift laterally to accommodate the pivotal movement of support member 32 as compared to the axis of aperture 48 and housing 66 as shown in FIG. 6. Preferably, electric motor 62 is of the type manufactured by Mabuchi Motor of Japan under Model No. FK 130 RD.
As shown in FIG. 4, mirror holder or support member 32 is preferably assembled to pivot plate 40 by holding support member 32 inverted with its rear surface adjacent axle 44 such that hinge members 38 are adjacent the axle (FIG. 4A). The support member is then moved toward axle 44 downwardly over the axle until the axle (FIG. 4B) is received on the curved interiors of the aligned hinge members (FIG. 4C). The support member is then rotated until it is in contact with pivot plate 40 thereby retaining axle 44 in hinge members 38 (FIGS. 4D and 4E).
As will now be understood, especially from FIGS. 2, 5, 6 and 8, actuation of motor 62 and gear assembly 64 will extend threaded post 74 and pivot support member 30 about hinge axle 44 through an angle α which is preferably within the range of about 2 degrees to about 20 degrees, more preferably about 4 degrees to about 16 degrees and most preferably about 7 degrees to about 11 degrees. Preferably, motor 62 is a reversible, high torque, high rpm electric motor which rotates shaft 68 at high speed to rapidly extend and/or retract threaded post 74 upon application of electric current to the motor for substantially immediate pivoting of support member 30. As will be understood from FIG. 2, the pivotal motion of the support member and mirror element is outwardly away from housing 12 with only a small marginal area of the support plate between hinge members 38 and its outer periphery 35 extending slightly inwardly within the housing. Thus, because the hinge axis of axle 44 and hinge members 38 is spaced laterally outwardly from the centered position of pivot 54 to the position adjacent the periphery of the support member 32 and mirror element 30, the blind spot viewing system can be readily incorporated in conventionally sized exterior rearview mirror housings without requiring any significant additional size or space. Likewise, because the power source comprising motor 62 and gear assembly 64 is mounted on the pivot plate 40 and not on the support member 32 or mirror element 30, the weight of the power source is fully supported by the pivot plate and actuator 50 so that there is little or no vibrational affect from the weight of that assembly on the movable support member or reflective mirror element. Further, because threaded post 74 provides a rigid support for support member 32 and mirror element 30, the reflective mirror surface is less subject to vibration effects and/or blurring, both in its blind spot viewing position, and in the normal rearward viewing position.
Referring now to FIGS. 9-13, a second embodiment 10′ of an exterior rearview mirror assembly incorporating a blind spot viewing system of the present invention is illustrated. Mirror assembly 10′ is substantially similar to mirror assembly 10 except for the substitution of a different gear assembly 64′ instead of gear assembly 64. Generally, mirror assembly 10′ includes a mirror housing 12, bezel portion 14, forward wall 20, reflective mirror element 30, mirror holder or support member 32, pivot plate 40 and hinge members 38 and axle 44 all substantially as shown in mirror assembly 10. However, in mirror assembly 10′, electric motor 62 drives a worm gear 70 which engages a telescoping gear assembly which is more compact than gear assembly 64, yet allows extension of the support member 32 and mirror element 30 to the same or even greater distance than gear drive assembly 64.
Gear drive assembly 64′ includes an outer shell or housing 66′ having a cylindrical base portion 66 a′, a first, integral, upstanding cylindrical subportion 66 b′ and a third cylindrical, integral subportion 66 c′ as well as an integral motor support tray 67′ (FIG. 11), all of which are preferably molded in one piece from a resinous polymeric material such as a nylon, polyester, or ABS material. Housing 66′ is adhered or otherwise secured to the interior side of pivot plate 40 such that cylindrical portions 66 a′, 66 b′ and 66 c′ are coaxial with aperture 48 and have their weight supported by pivot plate 40 just as in assembly 10. However, worm gear 70 engages a modified ring or drive gear 72′ including an integral, axially extending housing 73′ having parallel, diametrically opposed slots 75′ on opposite sides thereof. A cylindrical collar 77′ including radially extending, cylindrical ears 77 a′ and 77 b′ is telescoped within the hollow interior of housing portion 73′ such that ears 77 a′, 77 b′ ride and slide within slots 75′. Threadably engaged on the threaded interior of collar 77′ is extendable, threaded post 74′ having a pivot head 76′ adapted to be pivotally secured within socket 37 just as in mirror assembly 10. Accordingly, when motor 62 is secured within tray 67′ such that worm gear 70 projects into the interior of cylindrical housing portion 66 a′, and ring/drive gear 72′ is telescoped within the interior of housing 66′ with collar 77′ slidably telescoped within housing 73′ and post 74′ threadably engaging the interior of collar 77′, rotation of worm gear 70 rotates drive gear 72′ such that vertical slots 75′ drive collar 77′ for rotation therewith via ears 77 a′ and 77 b′. Ears 77 a′ and 77 b′ also engage the threaded interior of housing portion 66 b′ (FIGS. 12A, 12B, 13A, 13B) such that as drive gear 72′ rotates, ears 77 a′ and 77 bcause collar 77′ to move axially within the housing 73′ from the positions shown in FIGS. 12A and 13A, to the positions shown in FIGS. 12B and 13B. As collar 77′ is rotated in the above manner, its rotation drives the threads on post 74′ which moves upwardly as shown in FIGS. 12B and 13B since head 76′ is secured to and prevented from rotating in socket 37 of mirror support 32. Accordingly, extension of threaded post 74 to the same or greater distance as post 74 in gear drive assembly 64 occurs with less overall height for housing 66′ because of the inclusion of sliding collar 77′. The smaller height dimension for housing 66′ requires less space within the mirror assembly thereby keeping the assembly size to a minimum and avoiding the need for additional space within housing 12.
As mentioned above, the hinge motion of mirror support 32 and mirror element 30 is preferably both outward and at a slight downward angle in order to provide proper viewing of the blind spot area. In order to achieve a view having a vertical dimension in the same location in the blind spot area as compared to the usual rear vision area visible in the exterior rearview mirror with a target vehicle at the same distance from the viewing driver in both areas, the reflective mirror element must pivot both outwardly and upwardly to a blind spot viewing position. However, in the blind spot, vehicles are actually closer to the car in which the viewing driver is riding, thereby requiring the vertical dimension of the view to be lowered. The amount by which the pivotal motion must extend downwardly depends on each specific vehicle. However, it has been found that by using a standard amount of downward rotation of approximately 5°, the blind spot viewing area will encompass most automobile, motorcycle or other vehicles in the blind spot viewing area V3 as is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Thus, in the preferred mirror assemblies of the present invention, the mirror element is pivoted outwardly 9° and downwardly 5° to reach the blind spot viewing position.
With reference to FIGS. 14-17, various alternate embodiments of power source 60 may be used in mirror assemblies 10 or 10′ to provide operation of the blind spot viewing system. In embodiment 80 of FIGS. 14A and 14B, motor 62 may be fitted with a disk 81 fixedly secured to shaft 68. Disk 81 has a curved crank member 82 pivotally mounted near its periphery at 84. The outer end 86 of crank 82 is adapted to be secured to support member 32 at or adjacent socket 37. Hence, when motor 62 is actuated to rotate shaft 68 through 180°, crank 82 is extended, thereby pivoting support member 32 and mirror element 30 through the desired angle about hinge members 38 and axle 44. Likewise, reverse actuation of the motor 62 causes rotation of shaft 68 through 180° to retract crank 82 and return support member 32 to its normal rearward viewing position.
FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate another alternative power source 90 including electric motor 62 and elongated cam member 91 fixedly secured to shaft 68. Upon actuation of motor 62, shaft 68 will rotate causing cam 91 to engage the interior surface of the support member causing outward pivotal movement. Reverse rotation of the motor returns the support member to its original position.
As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, yet another alternative power source 94 includes an electric motor 62 and an elongated worm gear 95 mounted on the shaft of the motor. A threaded collar 96 is engaged with worm gear 95 to which is pivotally secured an elongated crank or yoke 98 having a socket 99 pivotally secured to the underside of support member 32 such as at socket 37. Upon rotation of worm gear 95 in one direction, collar 96 is moved toward motor 62 thereby forcing pivot 99 upwardly on yoke 98 to move support member 32 outwardly. Rotation of worm gear 95 in the opposite direction moves collar 96 outwardly away from motor 62 and lowers pivot 99 and the, thus, support member 32.
Yet another power source for actuation of the blind spot viewing system includes an electric solenoid 100 shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B. Solenoid 100 includes a flanged housing 102 adapted to be secured to the interior side of pivot plate 40 in the same position in which gear assembly 64 is mounted shown in FIGS. 5, 6 or 9. Solenoid 100 includes an extendible shaft 104 which is moved outwardly upon application of electric current to the solenoid. Hence, upon application of electric current, solenoid 100 is activated to extend shaft 104 to move support member 32 and mirror element 30 outwardly on hinge 38 and axle 44 in the manner described above. Deactivation of the solenoid retracts shaft 104 and returns the support member to its original position.
Referring now to FIG. 18, yet another embodiment 110 of an exterior rearview mirror assembly is shown including an alternate form of the blind spot viewing system. Mirror assembly 110 includes a molded polymeric exterior housing 112 similar to that in mirror embodiment 10 along with actuator 50 mounted on interior wall 114 of housing 112. Actuator 50 includes a pivot actuator 52 moveable about a pivot axis 54 which is centered on reflective mirror element 30 mounted in support member 32′. Instead of pivot plate 40 as in assembly 10, a modified pivot plate 120 is secured to the interior surface of a modified support member 32′ and, in turn, to pivot actuator 52 via circumferential flange 122. Pivot member 120 also includes axle 124 which receives hinge members 38 in the manner described above for axle 44 in connection with mirror assembly 10. At the end of pivot member 120 opposite axle 124 is an aperture 126 spaced inwardly from the outer edge of the pivot member. A flexible, coaxial cable 130 is secured via enlarged cable end 134 in socket 128 on support member 32′. Cable end 134 is formed on the end of a flexible, non-extendible, non-compressible push-pull interior cable 132 which passes through aperture 126 and is secured to socket 128. The opposite end of the external sheath 131 of cable 130 is secured in a socket 136 on the exterior of a housing 135 mounted internally of mirror assembly 110 on the opposite side of wall 114 from actuator 50. Interior cable 132 extends through an aperture in socket 136 and is secured to a threaded collar 138 via cable head 140. Collar 138 is, in turn, threadedly mounted worm gear 142 fixedly secured to shaft 68 of electric motor 62 of the type described above in connection with mirror assembly 10. Accordingly, motor 62, collar 138 and gear 142 are positioned at a remote location from support member 32′ and mirror element 30 but are connected via cable 130 to the support member for pivotal movement of the mirror element through angle ∀ to provide blind spot viewing when motor 62 is actuated by the vehicle driver through various switch apparatus on the interior of the vehicle. The arrangement of mirror assembly 110 avoids the positioning of motor 62 or gearing 138, 140 on pivot plate 120 and allows such elements to be fixedly secured in a rigid housing at a location within the mirror assembly thereby avoiding any vibration degradation with respect to mirror element 30. Cable 130 is sufficiently flexible to be routed through small internal spaces within the mirror housing for connection to the support member for movement of the mirror element without requiring significant additional space within the mirror housing. Additionally, cable 130 is sufficiently flexible to allow necessary pivoting of support member 32 and mirror element 30 through the desired angle ∀ (preferably 9°) regardless of the adjusted position of pivot member 120 on actuator 50 while a accommodating the slight lateral movement of socket 128 as it moves outwardly.
As shown in FIGS. 19-22, yet another embodiment 150 of an external rearview mirror assembly incorporating the blind spot viewing system of the present invention is illustrated. Mirror assembly 150 includes a rigid, molded mirror housing 152 having a rearward opening defining a cavity within the housing in which are mounted reflective mirror element 154 and support structure for adjusting the position of that element. More specifically, a reflective mirror element 154 similar to mirror element 30 above is mounted on molded, resinous polymeric pivot member 156 which, in turn, is pivotally secured to electric actuator 158 by pivot connector 159 for universal movement and adjustment of the position of the mirror element for different fields of view for different vehicle drivers. As in mirror embodiments 10 and 110, actuator 158 can be of the type available from Donnelly Corporation of Holland, Mich., under Model No. D 16 or MM 1. A pivot axis 159 for actuator 158 is preferably centered behind mirror element 154 as in mirror embodiments 10 and 110. In turn, actuator 158 is fixedly secured to molded, resinous polymeric support member or support plate 160. Support member 160 is, in turn, pivotally mounted to a molded, resinous polymeric mounting plate 166 by J-shaped hinge members 162 engaging axle 164 formed at the outer end of mounting plate 166. Mounting plate 166 is fixedly secured within mirror housing 152. An electric solenoid 170, such as solenoid 100 is mounted in alignment with aperture 168 in mounting plate 166 and includes an extendible shaft 172 similar to that for solenoid 100. Upon actuation, solenoid 170 causes extension of shaft 172 thereby pivoting support member 160, actuator 158, pivot member 156 and mirror element 154 in unison through a desired angle to provide blind spot viewing (FIG. 17). Upon deactivation of solenoid 170, shaft 172 is withdrawn and support member 160, actuator 158, pivot member 156 and mirror element 154 are returned to their normal rearward viewing positions. Preferably, a spring 174 is mounted over the ends of support plate 160 and mounting plate 166 at the end opposite hinge 162/axle 164 to urge the support member 160 back to its original position upon deactivation of solenoid 170.
A further embodiment 200 of an external rearview mirror assembly incorporating the blind spot viewing system of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 23-25. Mirror assembly 200 is similar to embodiment 150 but includes a modified power source for moving the assembly between the normal rear viewing position and the blind spot viewing position. More specifically, assembly 200 includes a rigid, molded mirror housing 152, reflective mirror element 154, molded resinous polymeric pivot member 156 and electric actuator 158, all of which are substantially similar to those in mirror assembly 150. As in assembly 150, actuator 158 is fixedly secured to molded, resinous polymeric support member or support plate 160 which, in turn, is pivotally mounted to a molded, resinous polymeric mounting plate 166 by J-shaped hinge members 162 engaging axle 164 formed at the outer end of mounting plate 166′. Mounting plate 166′ is fixedly secured within the mirror housing. Instead of electric solenoid 170, assembly 200 includes an electric motor of the type shown at 62, and gear drive assembly 64′ like that shown in mirror embodiment 10′ described above in connection with FIGS. 9-13. Upon actuation, the electric motor drives a worm gear engaging drive gear 72′ which, in turn, moves collar 73′ and threaded post 74′ outwardly as shown in FIG. 24 to pivot the entirety of support member 160, pivot plate 156 and reflective mirror element 154 as well as actuator 158 in unison through angle ∀, which is preferably 9°, to position mirror element 154 in the blind spot viewing position. Upon activation of the electric motor in the opposite direction, threaded post 74′ of gear drive 66′ retracts thereby pivoting support member 160, actuator 158, pivot member 156 and mirror element 154 in unison through the desired angle back to the normal rear viewing position. As in embodiment 150, a spring 174 similar to that used in assembly 150 may be mounted over the ends of support plate 160 and mounting plate 166′ at the end opposite hinge 162/axle 164 to urge the support member 160 back to its original position upon activation of the electric motor and return of the threaded post 74′ to its original position. Threaded post 74′ may be pivotally connected to a socket 37′ or other structure on the underside of support plate 160 in the manner described above for mirror assemblies 10 and 10′.
Preferably, when an electric motor, such as that described above at 62, is used to activate the movement of the blind spot viewing system of the present invention, an electrical control circuit 220 (FIG. 7) is connected to the electric motor for operation of the blind spot viewing system. Preferably, the circuit is formed on a printed circuit board 222 mounted within the housing of the mirror assembly and is connected to a switch 224 adapted to be activated by a driver within the cabin or passenger compartment of the vehicle on which the exterior mirror assembly including the blind spot viewing system is mounted. When switch 224 is activated, the electric motor is actuated and pivotal movement of the support member and mirror element is initiated in the manner described above. When the driver releases the switch, the motor or solenoid is reversed or released to return the mirror element to its normal rearward viewing position. Preferably, when the power source is an electric motor such as motor 62, circuit includes a current limiting device 226 which limits application of electric current to the electric motor when the motor is actuated to move the mirror element to its blind spot viewing position. In one form, current limiting device 226 reduces the electrical current applied to the electric motor when in the blind spot viewing position. In this form, the current applied to the motor in that position is at a reduced level but adequate to hold the motor in its extended position but of sufficiently low level to avoid damage to the motor. In an alternate form, current limiting device 226′ completely shuts off electric current to the motor leaving the mirror element in that position until the electric motor is activated in the reverse direction.
In addition, alternate switching devices can be utilized. For example, a push/push switch can be connected to the circuit in which the driver pushes a button or other activating member to activate the electric motor and move the mirror element to its blind spot viewing position. Thereafter, the driver pushes the same button or activating member to return the motor and mirror element to its normal rearward viewing position. Alternately, an on/off type switch can be used in which the driver pushes the switch one way to activate the motor and another way to deactivate the motor and return the mirror element to its normal viewing position. Yet another method of switching can be used in which the driver activates the switch and physically holds the switch until deactivation of the blind spot viewing position is desired.
Further, a sensing device or sensor 228, such as a Hall sensor, can be included in the electrical control circuit which includes the above described current limiting device when the motor or other power source is extended sufficiently for the mirror element to reach the blind spot viewing position. The device includes the current limiting device described above as the motor or power source reaches the extended position and detects when the driver releases the switch and causes the device to return to the normal rearward viewing position at which point electric current is shut off from the motor once again. Preferably, the current limiting device described above is a relay which reduces power applied to the electric motor.
In addition, in any of the mirror assemblies 10, 10′, 110, 150 or 200, instead of including a separate motive power source for the blind spot viewing system such as electric motor 62 and any of the above described drive systems, or a solenoid such as that shown at 100 or 170, the rearview mirror assembly incorporating the blind spot viewing system could incorporate a stepper motor, as is conventionally known. Such stepper motor could be incorporated in any of the actuators such as those shown at 50 or 158 mentioned above, thereby eliminating the need for a separate power source for actuation of the assembly to the blind spot viewing system. In such a system, the stepper motor, which is operated by electrical pulses and controlled by a circuit board mounted either in the mirror assembly or elsewhere in the vehicle, could be programmed to change its speed from a normal rearview mirror position adjustment speed of approximately 2 degrees to about 4 degrees per second, preferably about 3 degrees per second, to a much faster speed of greater than about 5 degrees per second, more preferably greater than about 10 degrees per second, and most preferably greater than about 15 degrees per second. A preferred range of speed is from about 15 degrees per second to about 25 degrees per second, more preferably about 17 degrees per second to about 20 degrees per second, so that the reflective mirror element could be moved by the actuator 50 or 158 itself rapidly to the blind spot viewing position and then returned to the normal rearward viewing position without the need for an additional power source. This would further improve vibration performance of the mirror assembly including such a stepper motor by eliminating the extra weight of any additional power source within the mirror assembly. In such case, the additional pivot such as that provided by hinges 38 described above would not be necessary, since the actuator could be programmed for operation by the stepper motor on its normal pivot to rapidly move the reflective mirror element both outwardly and downwardly as is preferred for proper blind spot viewing.
The blind spot viewing system of the present invention could be actuated by various devices including, but not limited to, an ultrasonic or other sensor which can sense the presence of a vehicle or object in the blind spot area such as area V3 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, a camera adapted to view an area such as area V3 adjacent the vehicle on which the blind spot viewing system is mounted, or a manual actuator such as those described above or others.
In addition, the exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system of the present invention could also include other features such as ground illumination lighting as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,497,306, No. 5,669,699, No. 5,823,654, No. 6,176,602, and No. 6,276,821, an electronic control module, an antenna, a transmitter, a receiver, or a sensor as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,475, the disclosures of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
Further, mirror element 30 may also be an electro-optic mirror element, such as an electrochromic or electrochemichromic rearview mirror element, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,816, No. 5,142,407, No. 5,140,455, and No. 5,910,854, or a solid state electrochromic rearview mirror element as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,712,879 and No. 5,668,663, the disclosures of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
While several forms of the invention have been shown and described, other forms will now be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it will be understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes, and are intended to limit the scope of the invention which is defined by the claims which follows.
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

Claims (49)

I claim:
1. An exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles comprising:
an exterior rearview mirror assembly including:
a reflective mirror element having a center and a peripheral edge;
a pivot member for pivotally mounting said reflective mirror element on said assembly to adjust the position of said mirror element for different fields of view for different vehicle drivers, said pivot member pivotally mounting said mirror element on an axis generally aligned with said mirror element center;
a support member having a joint for pivotally mounting said reflective mirror element between a first rearward viewing position and a blind spot viewing position, said joint being spaced laterally outwardly of said center axis; and
a motive power source for moving said support member and said reflective mirror element on said joint between said first rearward viewing position and said blind spot viewing position; said motive power source including an electric motor, a gear and a threaded member driven for extension and retraction by said electric motor and gear;
whereby said blind spot viewing position provides an enhanced field of view for the vehicle driver in an area adjacent the vehicle on which said assembly is mounted.
2. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 1 wherein said pivot member includes an actuator for adjusting said mirror element position, said support member being movably mounted on said pivot member by said joint, said joint positioned adjacent said peripheral edge of said mirror element.
3. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 2 including a housing; said support member including a backing member secured to said mirror element; said actuator being fixedly mounted to said housing, said pivot member including a pivot plate pivotally secured to said actuator on said axis, said joint extending between said pivot plate and said backing member.
4. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 3 wherein said actuator is an electric actuator adapted for control from a remote location.
5. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 2 wherein said motive power source is mounted on said pivot member and engages and moves said support member and reflective mirror element when said electric motor is actuated.
6. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 5 wherein said threaded member is pivotally attached to said support member.
7. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 6 wherein said threaded member is a threaded post telescopingly mounted within said gear.
8. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 7 wherein said threaded post includes an axis extending along its length, said threaded post being mounted for both axial and lateral movement with respect to said gear.
9. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 1 wherein said threaded member is a threaded post which is pivotally joined to said support member.
10. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 1 wherein said motive power source further includes a crank member pivotally secured between said threaded member and said support member.
11. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 1 wherein said threaded member is mounted for movement laterally while being driven for extension and retraction.
12. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 1 wherein said threaded member is connected to a push/pull cable connected to said support member.
13. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 1 including a housing and a mounting plate within said housing; said pivot member including an actuator for adjusting said mirror element position; said actuator fixedly mounted on said support member; said joint extending between said support member and said mounting plate whereby said motive power source moves said support member, said pivot member including said actuator and said reflective mirror element in unison.
14. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 13 wherein said motive power source is mounted on said mounting plate and engages and moves said support member when said electric motor is actuated.
15. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 13 wherein said electric motor, said gear, and said threaded member are mounted on said mounting plate, said threaded member pivotally secured to said support member.
16. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 15 further including an electrical control circuit for operating said motive power source, said circuit comprising a switch for controlling application of electric current to said electric motor, and an electric current limiting device for limiting application of electric current to said electric motor when said support member and reflective mirror element are in said blind spot viewing position.
17. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 16 wherein said current limiting device reduces the electrical current applied to said electric motor when in said blind spot viewing position.
18. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 17 wherein said current limiting device is a relay.
19. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 16 wherein said current limiting device prevents electrical current from being applied to said electric motor when in said blind spot viewing position.
20. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 16 wherein said electrical control circuit includes a sensor for detecting activation and deactivation of said switch.
21. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 1 further including an electrical control circuit for operating said motive power source, said circuit comprising a switch for controlling application of electric current to said electric motor, and an electric current limiting device for limiting application of electric current to said electric motor when said support member and reflective mirror element are in said blind spot viewing position.
22. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 21 wherein said current limiting device reduces the electrical current applied to said electric motor when in said blind spot viewing position.
23. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 22 wherein said current limiting device is a relay.
24. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 21 wherein said current limiting device prevents electrical current from being applied to said electric motor when in said blind spot viewing position.
25. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 21 wherein said electrical control circuit includes a sensor for detecting activation and deactivation of said switch.
26. An exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles comprising:
an exterior rearview mirror assembly including:
a reflective mirror element;
a pivot member for pivotally mounting said reflective mirror element on said assembly to adjust the position of said mirror element for different fields of view for different vehicle drivers, said pivot member pivotally mounting said mirror element on an axis at a predetermined position with respect to said reflective mirror element;
a support member having a joint for pivotally mounting said reflective mirror element between a first rearward viewing position and a blind spot viewing position, said joint being spaced from said axis; and
a motive power source for moving said support member and said reflective mirror element on said joint between said first rearward viewing position and said blind spot viewing position, said motive power source being mounted on said pivot member at a position spaced from said predetermined position of said axis, said motive power source including an electric motor, a gear and a threaded member driven for extension and retraction by said electric motor and gear; said threaded member pivotally secured to said pivot member;
whereby said blind spot viewing position provides an enhanced field of view for the vehicle driver in an area adjacent the vehicle on which said assembly is mounted.
27. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 26 wherein said pivot member includes an actuator for adjusting said mirror element position, said support member being movably mounted on said pivot member by said joint, said joint positioned adjacent said peripheral edge of said mirror element.
28. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 27 including a housing; said support member including a backing member secured to said mirror element; said actuator being fixedly mounted to said housing, said pivot member including a pivot plate pivotally secured to said actuator on said axis, said joint extending between said pivot plate and said backing member.
29. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 28 wherein said actuator is an electric actuator adapted for control from a remote location.
30. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 28 wherein said mirror element has a center; said axis being generally aligned with said mirror element center.
31. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 26 wherein said motive power source engages and moves said support member and reflective mirror element when said electric motor is actuated.
32. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 31 wherein said threaded member is a threaded post telescopingly mounted within said gear.
33. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 32 wherein said threaded post includes an axis extending along its length, said threaded post being mounted for both axial and lateral movement with respect to said gear.
34. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 26 wherein said threaded member is a threaded post which is pivotally joined to said backing member.
35. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 26 wherein said motive power source further includes a crank member pivotally secured between said threaded member and said support member.
36. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 26 wherein said threaded member is connected to a push/pull cable connected to said support member.
37. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 26 including a housing and a mounting plate within said housing; said pivot member including an actuator for adjusting said mirror element position; said actuator fixedly mounted on said support member; said joint extending between said support member and said mounting plate whereby said motive power source moves said support member, said pivot member including said actuator and said reflective mirror element in unison.
38. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 37 wherein said motive power source is mounted on said mounting plate and engages and moves said support member when said electric motor is actuated.
39. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 37 wherein said electric motor, a gear, and a threaded member are mounted on said mounting plate, said threaded member pivotally secured to said support member.
40. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 39 further including an electrical control circuit for operating said motive power source, said circuit comprising a switch for controlling application of electric current to said electric motor, and an electric current limiting device for limiting application of electric current to said electric motor when said support member and reflective mirror element are in said blind spot viewing position.
41. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 40 wherein said current limiting device reduces the electrical current applied to said electric motor when in said blind spot viewing position.
42. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 41 wherein said current limiting device is a relay.
43. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 40 wherein said current limiting device prevents electrical current from being applied to said electric motor when in said blind spot viewing position.
44. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 40 wherein said electrical control circuit includes a sensor for detecting activation and deactivation of said switch.
45. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 26 further including an electrical control circuit for operating said motive power source, said circuit comprising a switch for controlling application of electric current to said electric motor, and an electric current limiting device for limiting application of electric current to said electric motor when said support member and reflective mirror element are in said blind spot viewing position.
46. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 45 wherein said current limiting device reduces the electrical current applied to said electric motor when in said blind spot viewing position.
47. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 46 wherein said current limiting device is a relay.
48. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 45 wherein said current limiting device prevents electrical current from being applied to said electric motor when in said blind spot viewing position.
49. The exterior rearview mirror blind spot viewing system for vehicles of claim 45 wherein said electrical control circuit includes a sensor for detecting activation and deactivation of said switch.
US09/991,463 2000-11-20 2001-11-16 Vehicular rearview mirror with blind spot viewing system Expired - Fee Related US6672731B2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/991,463 US6672731B2 (en) 2000-11-20 2001-11-16 Vehicular rearview mirror with blind spot viewing system

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US25214900P 2000-11-20 2000-11-20
US09/991,463 US6672731B2 (en) 2000-11-20 2001-11-16 Vehicular rearview mirror with blind spot viewing system

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20020159171A1 US20020159171A1 (en) 2002-10-31
US6672731B2 true US6672731B2 (en) 2004-01-06

Family

ID=26942083

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/991,463 Expired - Fee Related US6672731B2 (en) 2000-11-20 2001-11-16 Vehicular rearview mirror with blind spot viewing system

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US6672731B2 (en)

Cited By (147)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030122930A1 (en) * 1996-05-22 2003-07-03 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular vision system
US6824282B1 (en) * 2003-08-19 2004-11-30 Douglas W. Morrell Rearview mirror redirecting system
US20040264015A1 (en) * 2003-06-28 2004-12-30 Chaw Khong Technology Co., Ltd. Electrically operable pivoting actuator for door mirror of motor vehicle
US20060028731A1 (en) * 1993-02-26 2006-02-09 Kenneth Schofield Vehicular vision system
US20060050018A1 (en) * 2002-12-20 2006-03-09 Hutzel Barry W Accessory system for vehicle
US20060155444A1 (en) * 2005-01-13 2006-07-13 Lee Yong H Automatic control of automotive rearview mirror
US20060167606A1 (en) * 2005-01-27 2006-07-27 Khaled Malhas Electronically controlled mirror system for vehicle blind spot exposure
US20070023613A1 (en) * 1993-02-26 2007-02-01 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle headlight control using imaging sensor
US20070109406A1 (en) * 1993-02-26 2007-05-17 Donnelly Corporation, A Corporation Of The State Of Michigan Image sensing system for a vehicle
US7303295B1 (en) 2004-06-24 2007-12-04 Press Irving D Rear view mirror assembly and system
US20080080074A1 (en) * 2006-09-01 2008-04-03 Kabushiki Kaisha Honda Lock Open vehicle rear view system
US20080291560A1 (en) * 2007-05-22 2008-11-27 Visiocorp Patents S.A.R.L. Rearview mirror for vehicles
US20090045323A1 (en) * 2007-08-17 2009-02-19 Yuesheng Lu Automatic Headlamp Control System
US20090174572A1 (en) * 2008-01-04 2009-07-09 Smith Alexander E Method and apparatus for an adaptive target vehicle notification system
US20090208058A1 (en) * 2004-04-15 2009-08-20 Donnelly Corporation Imaging system for vehicle
US20090316422A1 (en) * 2001-01-23 2009-12-24 Donnelly Corporation Display device for exterior rearview mirror
US20100020170A1 (en) * 2008-07-24 2010-01-28 Higgins-Luthman Michael J Vehicle Imaging System
US7655894B2 (en) 1996-03-25 2010-02-02 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular image sensing system
US20100046059A1 (en) * 2002-09-20 2010-02-25 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle
US20100085645A1 (en) * 1999-11-24 2010-04-08 Donnelly Corporation Information display system for vehicle
US20100091509A1 (en) * 1997-08-25 2010-04-15 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle
US20100097469A1 (en) * 2008-10-16 2010-04-22 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Interior mirror assembly with display
US20100110523A1 (en) * 1997-08-25 2010-05-06 Donnelly Corporation Automotive rearview mirror assembly
US20100117815A1 (en) * 1997-08-25 2010-05-13 Donnelly Corporation Interior mirror system
US20100126030A1 (en) * 2002-06-06 2010-05-27 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror system with compass
US20100172008A1 (en) * 2002-09-20 2010-07-08 Donnelly Corporation Reflective mirror assembly
US20100202075A1 (en) * 2002-06-06 2010-08-12 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror system
US20100207013A1 (en) * 2002-05-03 2010-08-19 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle rearview mirror system
US20100214791A1 (en) * 2006-08-11 2010-08-26 Donnelly Corporation Automatic headlamp control system
US20100266326A1 (en) * 2009-04-21 2010-10-21 Chuang Cheng-Hua Mark-erasable pen cap
US20100265048A1 (en) * 2007-09-11 2010-10-21 Yuesheng Lu Imaging System for Vehicle
US7826123B2 (en) 2002-09-20 2010-11-02 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular interior electrochromic rearview mirror assembly
US7888629B2 (en) 1998-01-07 2011-02-15 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular accessory mounting system with a forwardly-viewing camera
US20110051268A1 (en) * 2009-09-03 2011-03-03 Patrick Martin Blind spot mirror
US7916009B2 (en) 1998-01-07 2011-03-29 Donnelly Corporation Accessory mounting system suitable for use in a vehicle
US20110109746A1 (en) * 2003-10-14 2011-05-12 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle information display
US20110122249A1 (en) * 2004-09-30 2011-05-26 Donnelly Corporation Vision system for vehicle
US20110141542A1 (en) * 2003-10-02 2011-06-16 Donnelly Corporation Rearview mirror assembly for vehicle
US20110166785A1 (en) * 1998-04-08 2011-07-07 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror system
US20110193961A1 (en) * 2010-02-10 2011-08-11 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Imaging and display system for vehicle
US8000894B2 (en) 2000-03-02 2011-08-16 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular wireless communication system
US8031062B2 (en) 2008-01-04 2011-10-04 Smith Alexander E Method and apparatus to improve vehicle situational awareness at intersections
US8049640B2 (en) 2003-05-19 2011-11-01 Donnelly Corporation Mirror assembly for vehicle
US8063759B2 (en) 1993-02-26 2011-11-22 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle vision system
US8070332B2 (en) 2007-07-12 2011-12-06 Magna Electronics Inc. Automatic lighting system with adaptive function
US8164817B2 (en) 1994-05-05 2012-04-24 Donnelly Corporation Method of forming a mirrored bent cut glass shape for vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly
US8179236B2 (en) 2000-03-02 2012-05-15 Donnelly Corporation Video mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle
US8217830B2 (en) 2007-01-25 2012-07-10 Magna Electronics Inc. Forward facing sensing system for a vehicle
US8288711B2 (en) 1998-01-07 2012-10-16 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror system with forwardly-viewing camera and a control
US8376595B2 (en) 2009-05-15 2013-02-19 Magna Electronics, Inc. Automatic headlamp control
US8427288B2 (en) 2000-03-02 2013-04-23 Donnelly Corporation Rear vision system for a vehicle
US8446470B2 (en) 2007-10-04 2013-05-21 Magna Electronics, Inc. Combined RGB and IR imaging sensor
US8503062B2 (en) 2005-05-16 2013-08-06 Donnelly Corporation Rearview mirror element assembly for vehicle
US8508383B2 (en) 2008-03-31 2013-08-13 Magna Mirrors of America, Inc Interior rearview mirror system
US8511841B2 (en) 1994-05-05 2013-08-20 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular blind spot indicator mirror
US8653959B2 (en) 2001-01-23 2014-02-18 Donnelly Corporation Video mirror system for a vehicle
US8665079B2 (en) 2002-05-03 2014-03-04 Magna Electronics Inc. Vision system for vehicle
US8694224B2 (en) 2012-03-01 2014-04-08 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle yaw rate correction
US8874317B2 (en) 2009-07-27 2014-10-28 Magna Electronics Inc. Parking assist system
US8908039B2 (en) 2000-03-02 2014-12-09 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular video mirror system
US9014904B2 (en) 2004-12-23 2015-04-21 Magna Electronics Inc. Driver assistance system for vehicle
US9019091B2 (en) 1999-11-24 2015-04-28 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror system
US9041806B2 (en) 2009-09-01 2015-05-26 Magna Electronics Inc. Imaging and display system for vehicle
US9085261B2 (en) 2011-01-26 2015-07-21 Magna Electronics Inc. Rear vision system with trailer angle detection
US9092986B2 (en) 2013-02-04 2015-07-28 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular vision system
US9090234B2 (en) 2012-11-19 2015-07-28 Magna Electronics Inc. Braking control system for vehicle
US9117123B2 (en) 2010-07-05 2015-08-25 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular rear view camera display system with lifecheck function
US9126525B2 (en) 2009-02-27 2015-09-08 Magna Electronics Inc. Alert system for vehicle
US9146898B2 (en) 2011-10-27 2015-09-29 Magna Electronics Inc. Driver assist system with algorithm switching
US9180908B2 (en) 2010-11-19 2015-11-10 Magna Electronics Inc. Lane keeping system and lane centering system
US9191574B2 (en) 2001-07-31 2015-11-17 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular vision system
US9194943B2 (en) 2011-04-12 2015-11-24 Magna Electronics Inc. Step filter for estimating distance in a time-of-flight ranging system
US9205776B2 (en) 2013-05-21 2015-12-08 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system using kinematic model of vehicle motion
US9245448B2 (en) 2001-07-31 2016-01-26 Magna Electronics Inc. Driver assistance system for a vehicle
US9264672B2 (en) 2010-12-22 2016-02-16 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Vision display system for vehicle
US9260095B2 (en) 2013-06-19 2016-02-16 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with collision mitigation
US9319637B2 (en) 2012-03-27 2016-04-19 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with lens pollution detection
US9327693B2 (en) 2013-04-10 2016-05-03 Magna Electronics Inc. Rear collision avoidance system for vehicle
US9340227B2 (en) 2012-08-14 2016-05-17 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle lane keep assist system
US9357208B2 (en) 2011-04-25 2016-05-31 Magna Electronics Inc. Method and system for dynamically calibrating vehicular cameras
US9445057B2 (en) 2013-02-20 2016-09-13 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with dirt detection
US9446713B2 (en) 2012-09-26 2016-09-20 Magna Electronics Inc. Trailer angle detection system
US9481301B2 (en) 2012-12-05 2016-11-01 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system utilizing camera synchronization
US9487235B2 (en) 2014-04-10 2016-11-08 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle control system with adaptive wheel angle correction
US9491451B2 (en) 2011-11-15 2016-11-08 Magna Electronics Inc. Calibration system and method for vehicular surround vision system
US9491450B2 (en) 2011-08-01 2016-11-08 Magna Electronic Inc. Vehicle camera alignment system
US9495876B2 (en) 2009-07-27 2016-11-15 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular camera with on-board microcontroller
US9499139B2 (en) 2013-12-05 2016-11-22 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle monitoring system
US9508014B2 (en) 2013-05-06 2016-11-29 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular multi-camera vision system
US9547795B2 (en) 2011-04-25 2017-01-17 Magna Electronics Inc. Image processing method for detecting objects using relative motion
US9558409B2 (en) 2012-09-26 2017-01-31 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with trailer angle detection
US9563951B2 (en) 2013-05-21 2017-02-07 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with targetless camera calibration
US9619716B2 (en) 2013-08-12 2017-04-11 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with image classification
US9623878B2 (en) 2014-04-02 2017-04-18 Magna Electronics Inc. Personalized driver assistance system for vehicle
US9681062B2 (en) 2011-09-26 2017-06-13 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle camera image quality improvement in poor visibility conditions by contrast amplification
US9707896B2 (en) 2012-10-15 2017-07-18 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle camera lens dirt protection via air flow
US9723272B2 (en) 2012-10-05 2017-08-01 Magna Electronics Inc. Multi-camera image stitching calibration system
US9743002B2 (en) 2012-11-19 2017-08-22 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with enhanced display functions
US9751465B2 (en) 2012-04-16 2017-09-05 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with reduced image color data processing by use of dithering
US9762880B2 (en) 2011-12-09 2017-09-12 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with customized display
US9761142B2 (en) 2012-09-04 2017-09-12 Magna Electronics Inc. Driver assistant system using influence mapping for conflict avoidance path determination
US9764744B2 (en) 2015-02-25 2017-09-19 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle yaw rate estimation system
US9834153B2 (en) 2011-04-25 2017-12-05 Magna Electronics Inc. Method and system for dynamically calibrating vehicular cameras
US9900522B2 (en) 2010-12-01 2018-02-20 Magna Electronics Inc. System and method of establishing a multi-camera image using pixel remapping
US9900490B2 (en) 2011-09-21 2018-02-20 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system using image data transmission and power supply via a coaxial cable
US9916660B2 (en) 2015-01-16 2018-03-13 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with calibration algorithm
US9988047B2 (en) 2013-12-12 2018-06-05 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle control system with traffic driving control
US10025994B2 (en) 2012-12-04 2018-07-17 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system utilizing corner detection
US10027930B2 (en) 2013-03-29 2018-07-17 Magna Electronics Inc. Spectral filtering for vehicular driver assistance systems
US10055651B2 (en) 2016-03-08 2018-08-21 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with enhanced lane tracking
US10071687B2 (en) 2011-11-28 2018-09-11 Magna Electronics Inc. Vision system for vehicle
US10078789B2 (en) 2015-07-17 2018-09-18 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle parking assist system with vision-based parking space detection
US10089537B2 (en) 2012-05-18 2018-10-02 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with front and rear camera integration
US10086870B2 (en) 2015-08-18 2018-10-02 Magna Electronics Inc. Trailer parking assist system for vehicle
US10132971B2 (en) 2016-03-04 2018-11-20 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle camera with multiple spectral filters
US10160437B2 (en) 2016-02-29 2018-12-25 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle control system with reverse assist
US10160382B2 (en) 2014-02-04 2018-12-25 Magna Electronics Inc. Trailer backup assist system
US10179543B2 (en) 2013-02-27 2019-01-15 Magna Electronics Inc. Multi-camera dynamic top view vision system
US10187590B2 (en) 2015-10-27 2019-01-22 Magna Electronics Inc. Multi-camera vehicle vision system with image gap fill
US10214206B2 (en) 2015-07-13 2019-02-26 Magna Electronics Inc. Parking assist system for vehicle
US10222224B2 (en) 2013-06-24 2019-03-05 Magna Electronics Inc. System for locating a parking space based on a previously parked space
US10232797B2 (en) 2013-04-29 2019-03-19 Magna Electronics Inc. Rear vision system for vehicle with dual purpose signal lines
US10286855B2 (en) 2015-03-23 2019-05-14 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with video compression
US10300859B2 (en) 2016-06-10 2019-05-28 Magna Electronics Inc. Multi-sensor interior mirror device with image adjustment
US10326969B2 (en) 2013-08-12 2019-06-18 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with reduction of temporal noise in images
US10328932B2 (en) 2014-06-02 2019-06-25 Magna Electronics Inc. Parking assist system with annotated map generation
US10457209B2 (en) 2012-02-22 2019-10-29 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with multi-paned view
US10493916B2 (en) 2012-02-22 2019-12-03 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle camera system with image manipulation
US10523904B2 (en) 2013-02-04 2019-12-31 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle data recording system
US10567705B2 (en) 2013-06-10 2020-02-18 Magna Electronics Inc. Coaxial cable with bidirectional data transmission
US10609335B2 (en) 2012-03-23 2020-03-31 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with accelerated object confirmation
US10793067B2 (en) 2011-07-26 2020-10-06 Magna Electronics Inc. Imaging system for vehicle
US10819943B2 (en) 2015-05-07 2020-10-27 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with incident recording function
US10875403B2 (en) 2015-10-27 2020-12-29 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with enhanced night vision
US10906467B2 (en) 2009-10-07 2021-02-02 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Exterior rearview mirror assembly
US10913395B2 (en) 2010-02-10 2021-02-09 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Exterior rearview mirror assembly
US10946799B2 (en) 2015-04-21 2021-03-16 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with overlay calibration
US11135976B2 (en) 2019-09-20 2021-10-05 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Vehicle door mirror assembly
US11148596B2 (en) 2017-08-23 2021-10-19 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Exterior rearview mirror assembly
US11277558B2 (en) 2016-02-01 2022-03-15 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with master-slave camera configuration
US11279286B2 (en) * 2020-04-15 2022-03-22 Motherson Innovations Company Limited Actuator assembly for mirror
US11325535B2 (en) 2010-02-10 2022-05-10 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Exterior rearview mirror assembly
US11351919B2 (en) 2018-05-24 2022-06-07 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Exterior rearview mirror assembly
US11400919B2 (en) 2016-03-02 2022-08-02 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with autonomous parking function
US11433809B2 (en) 2016-02-02 2022-09-06 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with smart camera video output
US11498486B2 (en) 2009-10-07 2022-11-15 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly
US11919449B2 (en) 2023-03-06 2024-03-05 Magna Electronics Inc. Targetless vehicular camera calibration system

Families Citing this family (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1477364A1 (en) * 2003-05-15 2004-11-17 Ford Global Technologies, LLC An outside rear-view mirror arrangement
US6880941B2 (en) * 2003-06-11 2005-04-19 Tony R. Suggs Vehicle blind spot monitoring system
US20060181790A1 (en) * 2005-02-17 2006-08-17 Jones Harry C Iii Rearview mirror system
KR101596751B1 (en) * 2014-09-26 2016-02-23 현대자동차주식회사 Method and apparatus for displaying blind spot customized by driver
JP6505839B2 (en) * 2014-11-07 2019-04-24 ジェンテックス コーポレイション Full screen display mirror actuator
KR101664940B1 (en) * 2016-05-12 2016-10-12 (주)엘리비젼 A hair smart mirror system using virtual reality
WO2018020330A1 (en) * 2016-07-26 2018-02-01 Francisco Jose Perez Juarez Rearview mirror with blind-spot monitoring
US10464488B2 (en) 2016-09-22 2019-11-05 Gentex Corporation Mirror flipper assembly
US10710507B2 (en) 2016-10-31 2020-07-14 Gentex Corporation Cam-driven toggle switch for mirror assembly
US10723270B2 (en) 2017-01-04 2020-07-28 Gentex Corporation Mechanical tilt for full display mirror with mounting plate, toggle unit and actuation pin
EP3625084B1 (en) 2017-06-12 2021-03-31 Gentex Corporation Auto tilt clutch mechanism
US10596968B2 (en) 2017-09-20 2020-03-24 Gentex Corporation Prism toggle spring
EP4103430A4 (en) * 2020-02-11 2023-08-09 Gentex Corporation Rearview device

Citations (42)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4105301A (en) 1976-11-15 1978-08-08 Doeg Ralph W Car mirror with U-shaped slot means and solenoid control
US4712879A (en) 1986-04-02 1987-12-15 Donnelly Corporation Electrochromic mirror
US4792220A (en) 1985-03-08 1988-12-20 Miroslaw Janowicz Shiftable outside rearview mirror for use on vehicles
US4834522A (en) 1985-09-19 1989-05-30 Miroslaw Janowicz Outside mirror for motor vehicles with programmer means responsive to starting viewing angle
US4907870A (en) * 1987-04-10 1990-03-13 Milton Brucker Device to manipulate side view mirrors for motor vehicles
US4940322A (en) 1987-10-26 1990-07-10 Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho Electric rearview mirror system for motor vehicle
US4971430A (en) 1989-07-19 1990-11-20 Lynas Robert M Rearview mirror targeting and repositioning system
DE3926560A1 (en) 1989-08-11 1991-02-14 Joerg Kreuzer Vehicular rear-view mirror with blood-spot coverage - has electromagnetic, electric-or hydropneumatic cylinder-piston actuator for modifying angle of vision by mirror reorientation
US5033835A (en) 1988-12-09 1991-07-23 Platzer Jr George E Remote control mirror with angular viewing adjustments
US5035496A (en) 1989-04-27 1991-07-30 Duk Yu Industrial Co., Ltd. Outside back mirror device for use in an automobile
US5050977A (en) 1988-12-09 1991-09-24 Platzer Jr George E Automotive vehicle mirror with gauging viewing mirror portion
US5097362A (en) 1989-07-19 1992-03-17 Lynas Robert M Rearview mirror targeting and repositioning system
US5115352A (en) 1989-01-10 1992-05-19 Do Espirito Santo Antonio Ferr Double external rear view mirror assembly for vehicles
US5140455A (en) 1989-11-29 1992-08-18 Donnelly Corporation High performance electrochemichromic solutions and devices thereof
US5142407A (en) 1989-12-22 1992-08-25 Donnelly Corporation Method of reducing leakage current in electrochemichromic solutions and solutions based thereon
US5151816A (en) 1989-12-29 1992-09-29 Donnelly Corporation Method for reducing current leakage and enhancing uv stability in electrochemichromic solutions and devices
US5159497A (en) 1989-07-19 1992-10-27 Lynas Robert M Solenoid controlled rearview mirror
US5189561A (en) 1991-03-28 1993-02-23 Hong Sun T Automatic oscillating vehicle mirror
EP0551246A1 (en) 1992-01-09 1993-07-14 Mario Di Odoardo Two-position wing mirror for vehicles and the like
US5293265A (en) * 1992-08-24 1994-03-08 General Electric Company Real time variable laser beam spinner
US5311368A (en) 1991-11-28 1994-05-10 Ichikoh Industries, Ltd. Mirror drive unit
JPH06191349A (en) 1992-12-25 1994-07-12 Yasuaki Maruta Dead angle eliminating rear-view mirror
US5479297A (en) 1992-12-30 1995-12-26 Summers; Leland H. Blind side eliminating mirror assembly
US5497306A (en) 1993-02-01 1996-03-05 Donnelly Corporation Exterior vehicle security light
US5500766A (en) 1995-05-04 1996-03-19 Stonecypher; Bob Blind spot side mirror
US5519336A (en) 1992-03-03 1996-05-21 Honeywell Inc. Method for electrically characterizing the insulator in SOI devices
US5668663A (en) 1994-05-05 1997-09-16 Donnelly Corporation Electrochromic mirrors and devices
US5669699A (en) 1994-11-02 1997-09-23 Donnelly Corporation Exterior vehicle security light
US5745310A (en) * 1996-03-25 1998-04-28 Mathieu; Raymond J. Method and apparatus for temporary view shifting of vehicle side mirror
US5823654A (en) 1993-02-01 1998-10-20 Donnelly Corporation Universal exterior vehicle security light
US5900999A (en) 1997-01-09 1999-05-04 Donnelly Corporation Housing with integral electrical connectors for a rearview mirror actuator assembly
US5910854A (en) 1993-02-26 1999-06-08 Donnelly Corporation Electrochromic polymeric solid films, manufacturing electrochromic devices using such solid films, and processes for making such solid films and devices
US5986364A (en) 1997-04-14 1999-11-16 Donnelly Corporation Housing with integral weather seals and noise dampeners for a rearview mirror actuator assembly
US6019475A (en) 1994-09-30 2000-02-01 Donnelly Corporation Modular rearview mirror assembly including an electronic control module
US6094027A (en) 1999-01-11 2000-07-25 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle memory mirror position transducer
US6116742A (en) 1998-08-14 2000-09-12 Ahn; Moon-Hwi Outside rear view mirror for use in a vehicle capable of automatically controlling a range of observation
US6168279B1 (en) 1998-03-25 2001-01-02 Donnelly Corporation Pivot support for adjustable rearview mirror
US6176602B1 (en) 1993-02-01 2001-01-23 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle exterior mirror system with signal light
US6213612B1 (en) 1999-01-11 2001-04-10 Donnelly Corporation Mirror actuator electrical connector
US6243218B1 (en) 1999-09-29 2001-06-05 Donnelly Corporation Mirror actuator
US6276821B1 (en) 1992-12-16 2001-08-21 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle exterior mirror system with signal light
US6485155B1 (en) * 2001-07-06 2002-11-26 Bernard Duroux Multiplexing mirror

Patent Citations (42)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4105301A (en) 1976-11-15 1978-08-08 Doeg Ralph W Car mirror with U-shaped slot means and solenoid control
US4792220A (en) 1985-03-08 1988-12-20 Miroslaw Janowicz Shiftable outside rearview mirror for use on vehicles
US4834522A (en) 1985-09-19 1989-05-30 Miroslaw Janowicz Outside mirror for motor vehicles with programmer means responsive to starting viewing angle
US4712879A (en) 1986-04-02 1987-12-15 Donnelly Corporation Electrochromic mirror
US4907870A (en) * 1987-04-10 1990-03-13 Milton Brucker Device to manipulate side view mirrors for motor vehicles
US4940322A (en) 1987-10-26 1990-07-10 Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho Electric rearview mirror system for motor vehicle
US5033835A (en) 1988-12-09 1991-07-23 Platzer Jr George E Remote control mirror with angular viewing adjustments
US5050977A (en) 1988-12-09 1991-09-24 Platzer Jr George E Automotive vehicle mirror with gauging viewing mirror portion
US5115352A (en) 1989-01-10 1992-05-19 Do Espirito Santo Antonio Ferr Double external rear view mirror assembly for vehicles
US5035496A (en) 1989-04-27 1991-07-30 Duk Yu Industrial Co., Ltd. Outside back mirror device for use in an automobile
US4971430A (en) 1989-07-19 1990-11-20 Lynas Robert M Rearview mirror targeting and repositioning system
US5097362A (en) 1989-07-19 1992-03-17 Lynas Robert M Rearview mirror targeting and repositioning system
US5159497A (en) 1989-07-19 1992-10-27 Lynas Robert M Solenoid controlled rearview mirror
DE3926560A1 (en) 1989-08-11 1991-02-14 Joerg Kreuzer Vehicular rear-view mirror with blood-spot coverage - has electromagnetic, electric-or hydropneumatic cylinder-piston actuator for modifying angle of vision by mirror reorientation
US5140455A (en) 1989-11-29 1992-08-18 Donnelly Corporation High performance electrochemichromic solutions and devices thereof
US5142407A (en) 1989-12-22 1992-08-25 Donnelly Corporation Method of reducing leakage current in electrochemichromic solutions and solutions based thereon
US5151816A (en) 1989-12-29 1992-09-29 Donnelly Corporation Method for reducing current leakage and enhancing uv stability in electrochemichromic solutions and devices
US5189561A (en) 1991-03-28 1993-02-23 Hong Sun T Automatic oscillating vehicle mirror
US5311368A (en) 1991-11-28 1994-05-10 Ichikoh Industries, Ltd. Mirror drive unit
EP0551246A1 (en) 1992-01-09 1993-07-14 Mario Di Odoardo Two-position wing mirror for vehicles and the like
US5519336A (en) 1992-03-03 1996-05-21 Honeywell Inc. Method for electrically characterizing the insulator in SOI devices
US5293265A (en) * 1992-08-24 1994-03-08 General Electric Company Real time variable laser beam spinner
US6276821B1 (en) 1992-12-16 2001-08-21 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle exterior mirror system with signal light
JPH06191349A (en) 1992-12-25 1994-07-12 Yasuaki Maruta Dead angle eliminating rear-view mirror
US5479297A (en) 1992-12-30 1995-12-26 Summers; Leland H. Blind side eliminating mirror assembly
US5497306A (en) 1993-02-01 1996-03-05 Donnelly Corporation Exterior vehicle security light
US5823654A (en) 1993-02-01 1998-10-20 Donnelly Corporation Universal exterior vehicle security light
US6176602B1 (en) 1993-02-01 2001-01-23 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle exterior mirror system with signal light
US5910854A (en) 1993-02-26 1999-06-08 Donnelly Corporation Electrochromic polymeric solid films, manufacturing electrochromic devices using such solid films, and processes for making such solid films and devices
US5668663A (en) 1994-05-05 1997-09-16 Donnelly Corporation Electrochromic mirrors and devices
US6019475A (en) 1994-09-30 2000-02-01 Donnelly Corporation Modular rearview mirror assembly including an electronic control module
US5669699A (en) 1994-11-02 1997-09-23 Donnelly Corporation Exterior vehicle security light
US5500766A (en) 1995-05-04 1996-03-19 Stonecypher; Bob Blind spot side mirror
US5745310A (en) * 1996-03-25 1998-04-28 Mathieu; Raymond J. Method and apparatus for temporary view shifting of vehicle side mirror
US5900999A (en) 1997-01-09 1999-05-04 Donnelly Corporation Housing with integral electrical connectors for a rearview mirror actuator assembly
US5986364A (en) 1997-04-14 1999-11-16 Donnelly Corporation Housing with integral weather seals and noise dampeners for a rearview mirror actuator assembly
US6168279B1 (en) 1998-03-25 2001-01-02 Donnelly Corporation Pivot support for adjustable rearview mirror
US6116742A (en) 1998-08-14 2000-09-12 Ahn; Moon-Hwi Outside rear view mirror for use in a vehicle capable of automatically controlling a range of observation
US6094027A (en) 1999-01-11 2000-07-25 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle memory mirror position transducer
US6213612B1 (en) 1999-01-11 2001-04-10 Donnelly Corporation Mirror actuator electrical connector
US6243218B1 (en) 1999-09-29 2001-06-05 Donnelly Corporation Mirror actuator
US6485155B1 (en) * 2001-07-06 2002-11-26 Bernard Duroux Multiplexing mirror

Cited By (560)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20070109653A1 (en) * 1993-02-26 2007-05-17 Kenneth Schofield Image sensing system for a vehicle
US20080054161A1 (en) * 1993-02-26 2008-03-06 Donnelly Corporation Image sensing system for a vehicle
US8063759B2 (en) 1993-02-26 2011-11-22 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle vision system
US20070109651A1 (en) * 1993-02-26 2007-05-17 Donnelly Corporation Image sensing system for a vehicle
US20060028731A1 (en) * 1993-02-26 2006-02-09 Kenneth Schofield Vehicular vision system
US8599001B2 (en) 1993-02-26 2013-12-03 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular vision system
US7859565B2 (en) 1993-02-26 2010-12-28 Donnelly Corporation Vision system for a vehicle including image processor
US20070109406A1 (en) * 1993-02-26 2007-05-17 Donnelly Corporation, A Corporation Of The State Of Michigan Image sensing system for a vehicle
US8917169B2 (en) 1993-02-26 2014-12-23 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular vision system
US20070023613A1 (en) * 1993-02-26 2007-02-01 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle headlight control using imaging sensor
US20070109654A1 (en) * 1993-02-26 2007-05-17 Donnelly Corporation, A Corporation Of The State Of Michigan Image sensing system for a vehicle
US20070176080A1 (en) * 1993-02-26 2007-08-02 Donnelly Corporation Image sensing system for a vehicle
US8511841B2 (en) 1994-05-05 2013-08-20 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular blind spot indicator mirror
US8164817B2 (en) 1994-05-05 2012-04-24 Donnelly Corporation Method of forming a mirrored bent cut glass shape for vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly
US8559093B2 (en) 1995-04-27 2013-10-15 Donnelly Corporation Electrochromic mirror reflective element for vehicular rearview mirror assembly
US8462204B2 (en) 1995-05-22 2013-06-11 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular vision system
US8637801B2 (en) 1996-03-25 2014-01-28 Magna Electronics Inc. Driver assistance system for a vehicle
US7655894B2 (en) 1996-03-25 2010-02-02 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular image sensing system
US8481910B2 (en) 1996-03-25 2013-07-09 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular image sensing system
US7994462B2 (en) 1996-03-25 2011-08-09 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular image sensing system
US8492698B2 (en) 1996-03-25 2013-07-23 Donnelly Corporation Driver assistance system for a vehicle
US8993951B2 (en) 1996-03-25 2015-03-31 Magna Electronics Inc. Driver assistance system for a vehicle
US8324552B2 (en) 1996-03-25 2012-12-04 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular image sensing system
US8222588B2 (en) 1996-03-25 2012-07-17 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular image sensing system
US9131120B2 (en) 1996-05-22 2015-09-08 Magna Electronics Inc. Multi-camera vision system for a vehicle
US20100118146A1 (en) * 1996-05-22 2010-05-13 Donnelly Corporation Automatic vehicle exterior light control
US6891563B2 (en) * 1996-05-22 2005-05-10 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular vision system
US8842176B2 (en) 1996-05-22 2014-09-23 Donnelly Corporation Automatic vehicle exterior light control
US8643724B2 (en) 1996-05-22 2014-02-04 Magna Electronics Inc. Multi-camera vision system for a vehicle
US20030122930A1 (en) * 1996-05-22 2003-07-03 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular vision system
US7561181B2 (en) 1996-05-22 2009-07-14 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular vision system
US8610992B2 (en) 1997-08-25 2013-12-17 Donnelly Corporation Variable transmission window
US20100110523A1 (en) * 1997-08-25 2010-05-06 Donnelly Corporation Automotive rearview mirror assembly
US8309907B2 (en) 1997-08-25 2012-11-13 Donnelly Corporation Accessory system suitable for use in a vehicle and accommodating a rain sensor
US20100117815A1 (en) * 1997-08-25 2010-05-13 Donnelly Corporation Interior mirror system
US8063753B2 (en) 1997-08-25 2011-11-22 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror system
US20100091509A1 (en) * 1997-08-25 2010-04-15 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle
US8100568B2 (en) 1997-08-25 2012-01-24 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle
US7914188B2 (en) 1997-08-25 2011-03-29 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle
US20110140606A1 (en) * 1997-08-25 2011-06-16 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror system
US8779910B2 (en) 1997-08-25 2014-07-15 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror system
US7898398B2 (en) 1997-08-25 2011-03-01 Donnelly Corporation Interior mirror system
US8267559B2 (en) 1997-08-25 2012-09-18 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle
US8294975B2 (en) 1997-08-25 2012-10-23 Donnelly Corporation Automotive rearview mirror assembly
US8134117B2 (en) 1998-01-07 2012-03-13 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular having a camera, a rain sensor and a single-ball interior electrochromic mirror assembly attached at an attachment element
US7888629B2 (en) 1998-01-07 2011-02-15 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular accessory mounting system with a forwardly-viewing camera
US8288711B2 (en) 1998-01-07 2012-10-16 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror system with forwardly-viewing camera and a control
US7994471B2 (en) 1998-01-07 2011-08-09 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror system with forwardly-viewing camera
US8094002B2 (en) 1998-01-07 2012-01-10 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror system
US7916009B2 (en) 1998-01-07 2011-03-29 Donnelly Corporation Accessory mounting system suitable for use in a vehicle
US8325028B2 (en) 1998-01-07 2012-12-04 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror system
US20110166785A1 (en) * 1998-04-08 2011-07-07 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror system
US8884788B2 (en) 1998-04-08 2014-11-11 Donnelly Corporation Automotive communication system
US8525703B2 (en) 1998-04-08 2013-09-03 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror system
US9221399B2 (en) 1998-04-08 2015-12-29 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Automotive communication system
US9481306B2 (en) 1998-04-08 2016-11-01 Donnelly Corporation Automotive communication system
US8203443B2 (en) 1999-08-12 2012-06-19 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle vision system
US8629768B2 (en) 1999-08-12 2014-01-14 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle vision system
US9436880B2 (en) 1999-08-12 2016-09-06 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system
US9019091B2 (en) 1999-11-24 2015-04-28 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror system
US9278654B2 (en) 1999-11-24 2016-03-08 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror system for vehicle
US7926960B2 (en) 1999-11-24 2011-04-19 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror system for vehicle
US9376061B2 (en) 1999-11-24 2016-06-28 Donnelly Corporation Accessory system of a vehicle
US8162493B2 (en) 1999-11-24 2012-04-24 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror assembly for vehicle
US20100085645A1 (en) * 1999-11-24 2010-04-08 Donnelly Corporation Information display system for vehicle
US10144355B2 (en) 1999-11-24 2018-12-04 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror system for vehicle
US20110176323A1 (en) * 1999-11-24 2011-07-21 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror assembly for vehicle
US8000894B2 (en) 2000-03-02 2011-08-16 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular wireless communication system
US8179236B2 (en) 2000-03-02 2012-05-15 Donnelly Corporation Video mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle
US8427288B2 (en) 2000-03-02 2013-04-23 Donnelly Corporation Rear vision system for a vehicle
US9014966B2 (en) 2000-03-02 2015-04-21 Magna Electronics Inc. Driver assist system for vehicle
US8543330B2 (en) 2000-03-02 2013-09-24 Donnelly Corporation Driver assist system for vehicle
US9315151B2 (en) 2000-03-02 2016-04-19 Magna Electronics Inc. Driver assist system for vehicle
US10053013B2 (en) 2000-03-02 2018-08-21 Magna Electronics Inc. Vision system for vehicle
US9809171B2 (en) 2000-03-02 2017-11-07 Magna Electronics Inc. Vision system for vehicle
US9809168B2 (en) 2000-03-02 2017-11-07 Magna Electronics Inc. Driver assist system for vehicle
US8676491B2 (en) 2000-03-02 2014-03-18 Magna Electronics Inc. Driver assist system for vehicle
US9783114B2 (en) 2000-03-02 2017-10-10 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular video mirror system
US8271187B2 (en) 2000-03-02 2012-09-18 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular video mirror system
US8121787B2 (en) 2000-03-02 2012-02-21 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular video mirror system
US10131280B2 (en) 2000-03-02 2018-11-20 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular video mirror system
US10179545B2 (en) 2000-03-02 2019-01-15 Magna Electronics Inc. Park-aid system for vehicle
US10239457B2 (en) 2000-03-02 2019-03-26 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular vision system
US8908039B2 (en) 2000-03-02 2014-12-09 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular video mirror system
US8654433B2 (en) 2001-01-23 2014-02-18 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Rearview mirror assembly for vehicle
US10272839B2 (en) 2001-01-23 2019-04-30 Magna Electronics Inc. Rear seat occupant monitoring system for vehicle
US9694749B2 (en) 2001-01-23 2017-07-04 Magna Electronics Inc. Trailer hitching aid system for vehicle
US20090316422A1 (en) * 2001-01-23 2009-12-24 Donnelly Corporation Display device for exterior rearview mirror
US8083386B2 (en) 2001-01-23 2011-12-27 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror assembly with display device
US8653959B2 (en) 2001-01-23 2014-02-18 Donnelly Corporation Video mirror system for a vehicle
US9352623B2 (en) 2001-01-23 2016-05-31 Magna Electronics Inc. Trailer hitching aid system for vehicle
US10099610B2 (en) 2001-07-31 2018-10-16 Magna Electronics Inc. Driver assistance system for a vehicle
US9191574B2 (en) 2001-07-31 2015-11-17 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular vision system
US10406980B2 (en) 2001-07-31 2019-09-10 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular lane change system
US9245448B2 (en) 2001-07-31 2016-01-26 Magna Electronics Inc. Driver assistance system for a vehicle
US9656608B2 (en) 2001-07-31 2017-05-23 Magna Electronics Inc. Driver assist system for vehicle
US9376060B2 (en) 2001-07-31 2016-06-28 Magna Electronics Inc. Driver assist system for vehicle
US10046702B2 (en) 2001-07-31 2018-08-14 Magna Electronics Inc. Control system for vehicle
US10611306B2 (en) 2001-07-31 2020-04-07 Magna Electronics Inc. Video processor module for vehicle
US9834142B2 (en) 2001-07-31 2017-12-05 Magna Electronics Inc. Driving assist system for vehicle
US9463744B2 (en) 2001-07-31 2016-10-11 Magna Electronics Inc. Driver assistance system for a vehicle
US9555803B2 (en) 2002-05-03 2017-01-31 Magna Electronics Inc. Driver assistance system for vehicle
US10683008B2 (en) 2002-05-03 2020-06-16 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular driving assist system using forward-viewing camera
US20100207013A1 (en) * 2002-05-03 2010-08-19 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle rearview mirror system
US9834216B2 (en) 2002-05-03 2017-12-05 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular control system using cameras and radar sensor
US10118618B2 (en) 2002-05-03 2018-11-06 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular control system using cameras and radar sensor
US11203340B2 (en) 2002-05-03 2021-12-21 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular vision system using side-viewing camera
US8665079B2 (en) 2002-05-03 2014-03-04 Magna Electronics Inc. Vision system for vehicle
US9643605B2 (en) 2002-05-03 2017-05-09 Magna Electronics Inc. Vision system for vehicle
US9171217B2 (en) 2002-05-03 2015-10-27 Magna Electronics Inc. Vision system for vehicle
US7906756B2 (en) 2002-05-03 2011-03-15 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle rearview mirror system
US10351135B2 (en) 2002-05-03 2019-07-16 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular control system using cameras and radar sensor
US8304711B2 (en) 2002-05-03 2012-11-06 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle rearview mirror system
US8106347B2 (en) 2002-05-03 2012-01-31 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle rearview mirror system
US7918570B2 (en) 2002-06-06 2011-04-05 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular interior rearview information mirror system
US7832882B2 (en) 2002-06-06 2010-11-16 Donnelly Corporation Information mirror system
US8282226B2 (en) 2002-06-06 2012-10-09 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror system
US8047667B2 (en) 2002-06-06 2011-11-01 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular interior rearview mirror system
US20110026152A1 (en) * 2002-06-06 2011-02-03 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror system
US8608327B2 (en) 2002-06-06 2013-12-17 Donnelly Corporation Automatic compass system for vehicle
US20100126030A1 (en) * 2002-06-06 2010-05-27 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror system with compass
US7815326B2 (en) 2002-06-06 2010-10-19 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror system
US20100202075A1 (en) * 2002-06-06 2010-08-12 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror system
US20110181727A1 (en) * 2002-06-06 2011-07-28 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular interior rearview mirror system
US8177376B2 (en) 2002-06-06 2012-05-15 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular interior rearview mirror system
US8465163B2 (en) 2002-06-06 2013-06-18 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror system
US8465162B2 (en) 2002-06-06 2013-06-18 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular interior rearview mirror system
US10661716B2 (en) 2002-09-20 2020-05-26 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular exterior electrically variable reflectance mirror reflective element assembly
US7859737B2 (en) 2002-09-20 2010-12-28 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle
US7864399B2 (en) 2002-09-20 2011-01-04 Donnelly Corporation Reflective mirror assembly
US8228588B2 (en) 2002-09-20 2012-07-24 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror information display system for a vehicle
US8727547B2 (en) 2002-09-20 2014-05-20 Donnelly Corporation Variable reflectance mirror reflective element for exterior mirror assembly
US8797627B2 (en) 2002-09-20 2014-08-05 Donnelly Corporation Exterior rearview mirror assembly
US9878670B2 (en) 2002-09-20 2018-01-30 Donnelly Corporation Variable reflectance mirror reflective element for exterior mirror assembly
US8335032B2 (en) 2002-09-20 2012-12-18 Donnelly Corporation Reflective mirror assembly
US10029616B2 (en) 2002-09-20 2018-07-24 Donnelly Corporation Rearview mirror assembly for vehicle
US8506096B2 (en) 2002-09-20 2013-08-13 Donnelly Corporation Variable reflectance mirror reflective element for exterior mirror assembly
US10363875B2 (en) 2002-09-20 2019-07-30 Donnelly Corportion Vehicular exterior electrically variable reflectance mirror reflective element assembly
US8400704B2 (en) 2002-09-20 2013-03-19 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle
US7826123B2 (en) 2002-09-20 2010-11-02 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular interior electrochromic rearview mirror assembly
US20100172008A1 (en) * 2002-09-20 2010-07-08 Donnelly Corporation Reflective mirror assembly
US9090211B2 (en) 2002-09-20 2015-07-28 Donnelly Corporation Variable reflectance mirror reflective element for exterior mirror assembly
US20100046059A1 (en) * 2002-09-20 2010-02-25 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle
US9073491B2 (en) 2002-09-20 2015-07-07 Donnelly Corporation Exterior rearview mirror assembly
US8277059B2 (en) 2002-09-20 2012-10-02 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly
US10538202B2 (en) 2002-09-20 2020-01-21 Donnelly Corporation Method of manufacturing variable reflectance mirror reflective element for exterior mirror assembly
US9545883B2 (en) 2002-09-20 2017-01-17 Donnelly Corporation Exterior rearview mirror assembly
US9341914B2 (en) 2002-09-20 2016-05-17 Donnelly Corporation Variable reflectance mirror reflective element for exterior mirror assembly
US20060050018A1 (en) * 2002-12-20 2006-03-09 Hutzel Barry W Accessory system for vehicle
US10166927B2 (en) 2003-05-19 2019-01-01 Donnelly Corporation Rearview mirror assembly for vehicle
US8049640B2 (en) 2003-05-19 2011-11-01 Donnelly Corporation Mirror assembly for vehicle
US10449903B2 (en) 2003-05-19 2019-10-22 Donnelly Corporation Rearview mirror assembly for vehicle
US8508384B2 (en) 2003-05-19 2013-08-13 Donnelly Corporation Rearview mirror assembly for vehicle
US11433816B2 (en) 2003-05-19 2022-09-06 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Vehicular interior rearview mirror assembly with cap portion
US8325055B2 (en) 2003-05-19 2012-12-04 Donnelly Corporation Mirror assembly for vehicle
US9557584B2 (en) 2003-05-19 2017-01-31 Donnelly Corporation Rearview mirror assembly for vehicle
US9783115B2 (en) 2003-05-19 2017-10-10 Donnelly Corporation Rearview mirror assembly for vehicle
US10829052B2 (en) 2003-05-19 2020-11-10 Donnelly Corporation Rearview mirror assembly for vehicle
US7008067B2 (en) * 2003-06-28 2006-03-07 Chaw Khong Technology Co., Ltd. Electrically operable pivoting actuator for door mirror of motor vehicle
US20040264015A1 (en) * 2003-06-28 2004-12-30 Chaw Khong Technology Co., Ltd. Electrically operable pivoting actuator for door mirror of motor vehicle
US6824282B1 (en) * 2003-08-19 2004-11-30 Douglas W. Morrell Rearview mirror redirecting system
US8379289B2 (en) 2003-10-02 2013-02-19 Donnelly Corporation Rearview mirror assembly for vehicle
US8179586B2 (en) 2003-10-02 2012-05-15 Donnelly Corporation Rearview mirror assembly for vehicle
US8705161B2 (en) 2003-10-02 2014-04-22 Donnelly Corporation Method of manufacturing a reflective element for a vehicular rearview mirror assembly
US20110141542A1 (en) * 2003-10-02 2011-06-16 Donnelly Corporation Rearview mirror assembly for vehicle
US8019505B2 (en) 2003-10-14 2011-09-13 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle information display
US8170748B1 (en) 2003-10-14 2012-05-01 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle information display system
US20110109746A1 (en) * 2003-10-14 2011-05-12 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle information display
US8355839B2 (en) 2003-10-14 2013-01-15 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle vision system with night vision function
US8886401B2 (en) 2003-10-14 2014-11-11 Donnelly Corporation Driver assistance system for a vehicle
US8577549B2 (en) 2003-10-14 2013-11-05 Donnelly Corporation Information display system for a vehicle
US8095260B1 (en) 2003-10-14 2012-01-10 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle information display
US20100045797A1 (en) * 2004-04-15 2010-02-25 Donnelly Corporation Imaging system for vehicle
US11503253B2 (en) 2004-04-15 2022-11-15 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular control system with traffic lane detection
US20110093179A1 (en) * 2004-04-15 2011-04-21 Donnelly Corporation Driver assistance system for vehicle
US9008369B2 (en) 2004-04-15 2015-04-14 Magna Electronics Inc. Vision system for vehicle
US10306190B1 (en) 2004-04-15 2019-05-28 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular control system
US9948904B2 (en) 2004-04-15 2018-04-17 Magna Electronics Inc. Vision system for vehicle
US8090153B2 (en) 2004-04-15 2012-01-03 Donnelly Corporation Imaging system for vehicle
US9609289B2 (en) 2004-04-15 2017-03-28 Magna Electronics Inc. Vision system for vehicle
US10462426B2 (en) 2004-04-15 2019-10-29 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular control system
US9428192B2 (en) 2004-04-15 2016-08-30 Magna Electronics Inc. Vision system for vehicle
US9736435B2 (en) 2004-04-15 2017-08-15 Magna Electronics Inc. Vision system for vehicle
US10187615B1 (en) 2004-04-15 2019-01-22 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular control system
US20090208058A1 (en) * 2004-04-15 2009-08-20 Donnelly Corporation Imaging system for vehicle
US11847836B2 (en) 2004-04-15 2023-12-19 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular control system with road curvature determination
US7949152B2 (en) 2004-04-15 2011-05-24 Donnelly Corporation Driver assistance system for vehicle
US8818042B2 (en) 2004-04-15 2014-08-26 Magna Electronics Inc. Driver assistance system for vehicle
US8325986B2 (en) 2004-04-15 2012-12-04 Donnelly Corporation Imaging system for vehicle
US10110860B1 (en) 2004-04-15 2018-10-23 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular control system
US20110216198A1 (en) * 2004-04-15 2011-09-08 Donnelly Corporation Imaging system for vehicle
US7792329B2 (en) 2004-04-15 2010-09-07 Donnelly Corporation Imaging system for vehicle
US10015452B1 (en) 2004-04-15 2018-07-03 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular control system
US7873187B2 (en) 2004-04-15 2011-01-18 Donnelly Corporation Driver assistance system for vehicle
US10735695B2 (en) 2004-04-15 2020-08-04 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular control system with traffic lane detection
US8593521B2 (en) 2004-04-15 2013-11-26 Magna Electronics Inc. Imaging system for vehicle
US9191634B2 (en) 2004-04-15 2015-11-17 Magna Electronics Inc. Vision system for vehicle
US7303295B1 (en) 2004-06-24 2007-12-04 Press Irving D Rear view mirror assembly and system
US8977008B2 (en) 2004-09-30 2015-03-10 Donnelly Corporation Driver assistance system for vehicle
US20110122249A1 (en) * 2004-09-30 2011-05-26 Donnelly Corporation Vision system for vehicle
US8189871B2 (en) 2004-09-30 2012-05-29 Donnelly Corporation Vision system for vehicle
US10623704B2 (en) 2004-09-30 2020-04-14 Donnelly Corporation Driver assistance system for vehicle
US8483439B2 (en) 2004-09-30 2013-07-09 Donnelly Corporation Vision system for vehicle
US8282253B2 (en) 2004-11-22 2012-10-09 Donnelly Corporation Mirror reflective element sub-assembly for exterior rearview mirror of a vehicle
US9940528B2 (en) 2004-12-23 2018-04-10 Magna Electronics Inc. Driver assistance system for vehicle
US9193303B2 (en) 2004-12-23 2015-11-24 Magna Electronics Inc. Driver assistance system for vehicle
US11308720B2 (en) 2004-12-23 2022-04-19 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular imaging system
US10509972B2 (en) 2004-12-23 2019-12-17 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular vision system
US9014904B2 (en) 2004-12-23 2015-04-21 Magna Electronics Inc. Driver assistance system for vehicle
US7571041B2 (en) 2005-01-13 2009-08-04 General Motors Corporation Automatic control of automotive rearview mirror
US20060155444A1 (en) * 2005-01-13 2006-07-13 Lee Yong H Automatic control of automotive rearview mirror
US20060167606A1 (en) * 2005-01-27 2006-07-27 Khaled Malhas Electronically controlled mirror system for vehicle blind spot exposure
US8503062B2 (en) 2005-05-16 2013-08-06 Donnelly Corporation Rearview mirror element assembly for vehicle
US11285879B2 (en) 2005-09-14 2022-03-29 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly with blind spot indicator element
US9045091B2 (en) 2005-09-14 2015-06-02 Donnelly Corporation Mirror reflective element sub-assembly for exterior rearview mirror of a vehicle
US9758102B1 (en) 2005-09-14 2017-09-12 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Mirror reflective element sub-assembly for exterior rearview mirror of a vehicle
US8833987B2 (en) 2005-09-14 2014-09-16 Donnelly Corporation Mirror reflective element sub-assembly for exterior rearview mirror of a vehicle
US10150417B2 (en) 2005-09-14 2018-12-11 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Mirror reflective element sub-assembly for exterior rearview mirror of a vehicle
US9694753B2 (en) 2005-09-14 2017-07-04 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Mirror reflective element sub-assembly for exterior rearview mirror of a vehicle
US11072288B2 (en) 2005-09-14 2021-07-27 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly with blind spot indicator element
US10829053B2 (en) 2005-09-14 2020-11-10 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly with blind spot indicator
US10308186B2 (en) 2005-09-14 2019-06-04 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly with blind spot indicator
US11124121B2 (en) 2005-11-01 2021-09-21 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular vision system
US11623559B2 (en) 2006-08-11 2023-04-11 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular forward viewing image capture system
US8434919B2 (en) 2006-08-11 2013-05-07 Donnelly Corporation Adaptive forward lighting system for vehicle
US10787116B2 (en) 2006-08-11 2020-09-29 Magna Electronics Inc. Adaptive forward lighting system for vehicle comprising a control that adjusts the headlamp beam in response to processing of image data captured by a camera
US9440535B2 (en) 2006-08-11 2016-09-13 Magna Electronics Inc. Vision system for vehicle
US8162518B2 (en) 2006-08-11 2012-04-24 Donnelly Corporation Adaptive forward lighting system for vehicle
US11148583B2 (en) 2006-08-11 2021-10-19 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular forward viewing image capture system
US20100214791A1 (en) * 2006-08-11 2010-08-26 Donnelly Corporation Automatic headlamp control system
US11396257B2 (en) 2006-08-11 2022-07-26 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular forward viewing image capture system
US10071676B2 (en) 2006-08-11 2018-09-11 Magna Electronics Inc. Vision system for vehicle
US7972045B2 (en) 2006-08-11 2011-07-05 Donnelly Corporation Automatic headlamp control system
US8636393B2 (en) 2006-08-11 2014-01-28 Magna Electronics Inc. Driver assistance system for vehicle
US7837339B2 (en) * 2006-09-01 2010-11-23 Kabushiki Kaisha Honda Lock Open vehicle rearview mirror system for switching between normal and blind-spot views
US20080080074A1 (en) * 2006-09-01 2008-04-03 Kabushiki Kaisha Honda Lock Open vehicle rear view system
US9507021B2 (en) 2007-01-25 2016-11-29 Magna Electronics Inc. Forward facing sensing system for vehicle
US9244165B1 (en) 2007-01-25 2016-01-26 Magna Electronics Inc. Forward facing sensing system for vehicle
US9140789B2 (en) 2007-01-25 2015-09-22 Magna Electronics Inc. Forward facing sensing system for vehicle
US10670713B2 (en) 2007-01-25 2020-06-02 Magna Electronics Inc. Forward sensing system for vehicle
US10877147B2 (en) 2007-01-25 2020-12-29 Magna Electronics Inc. Forward sensing system for vehicle
US8217830B2 (en) 2007-01-25 2012-07-10 Magna Electronics Inc. Forward facing sensing system for a vehicle
US11815594B2 (en) 2007-01-25 2023-11-14 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular forward-sensing system
US10107905B2 (en) 2007-01-25 2018-10-23 Magna Electronics Inc. Forward facing sensing system for vehicle
US11506782B2 (en) 2007-01-25 2022-11-22 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular forward-sensing system
US8614640B2 (en) 2007-01-25 2013-12-24 Magna Electronics Inc. Forward facing sensing system for vehicle
US9335411B1 (en) 2007-01-25 2016-05-10 Magna Electronics Inc. Forward facing sensing system for vehicle
US8294608B1 (en) 2007-01-25 2012-10-23 Magna Electronics, Inc. Forward facing sensing system for vehicle
US20080291560A1 (en) * 2007-05-22 2008-11-27 Visiocorp Patents S.A.R.L. Rearview mirror for vehicles
US8876305B2 (en) * 2007-05-22 2014-11-04 Smr Patents S.A.R.L. Rearview mirror for vehicles
US10086747B2 (en) 2007-07-12 2018-10-02 Magna Electronics Inc. Driver assistance system for vehicle
US8142059B2 (en) 2007-07-12 2012-03-27 Magna Electronics Inc. Automatic lighting system
US8814401B2 (en) 2007-07-12 2014-08-26 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular vision system
US10807515B2 (en) 2007-07-12 2020-10-20 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular adaptive headlighting system
US8070332B2 (en) 2007-07-12 2011-12-06 Magna Electronics Inc. Automatic lighting system with adaptive function
US11908166B2 (en) 2007-08-17 2024-02-20 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular imaging system with misalignment correction of camera
US10726578B2 (en) 2007-08-17 2020-07-28 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular imaging system with blockage determination and misalignment correction
US20090045323A1 (en) * 2007-08-17 2009-02-19 Yuesheng Lu Automatic Headlamp Control System
US9018577B2 (en) 2007-08-17 2015-04-28 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular imaging system with camera misalignment correction and capturing image data at different resolution levels dependent on distance to object in field of view
US8017898B2 (en) 2007-08-17 2011-09-13 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular imaging system in an automatic headlamp control system
US9972100B2 (en) 2007-08-17 2018-05-15 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular imaging system comprising an imaging device with a single image sensor and image processor for determining a totally blocked state or partially blocked state of the single image sensor as well as an automatic correction for misalignment of the imaging device
US11328447B2 (en) 2007-08-17 2022-05-10 Magna Electronics Inc. Method of blockage determination and misalignment correction for vehicular vision system
US20100265048A1 (en) * 2007-09-11 2010-10-21 Yuesheng Lu Imaging System for Vehicle
US9796332B2 (en) 2007-09-11 2017-10-24 Magna Electronics Inc. Imaging system for vehicle
US8451107B2 (en) 2007-09-11 2013-05-28 Magna Electronics, Inc. Imaging system for vehicle
US11613209B2 (en) 2007-09-11 2023-03-28 Magna Electronics Inc. System and method for guiding reversing of a vehicle toward a trailer hitch
US10766417B2 (en) 2007-09-11 2020-09-08 Magna Electronics Inc. Imaging system for vehicle
US8446470B2 (en) 2007-10-04 2013-05-21 Magna Electronics, Inc. Combined RGB and IR imaging sensor
US8908040B2 (en) 2007-10-04 2014-12-09 Magna Electronics Inc. Imaging system for vehicle
US10003755B2 (en) 2007-10-04 2018-06-19 Magna Electronics Inc. Imaging system for vehicle
US11165975B2 (en) 2007-10-04 2021-11-02 Magna Electronics Inc. Imaging system for vehicle
US10616507B2 (en) 2007-10-04 2020-04-07 Magna Electronics Inc. Imaging system for vehicle
US20090174572A1 (en) * 2008-01-04 2009-07-09 Smith Alexander E Method and apparatus for an adaptive target vehicle notification system
US8031062B2 (en) 2008-01-04 2011-10-04 Smith Alexander E Method and apparatus to improve vehicle situational awareness at intersections
US8508383B2 (en) 2008-03-31 2013-08-13 Magna Mirrors of America, Inc Interior rearview mirror system
US10175477B2 (en) 2008-03-31 2019-01-08 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Display system for vehicle
US20100020170A1 (en) * 2008-07-24 2010-01-28 Higgins-Luthman Michael J Vehicle Imaging System
US11091105B2 (en) 2008-07-24 2021-08-17 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system
US9509957B2 (en) 2008-07-24 2016-11-29 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle imaging system
US10583782B2 (en) 2008-10-16 2020-03-10 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Interior mirror assembly with display
US20100097469A1 (en) * 2008-10-16 2010-04-22 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Interior mirror assembly with display
US11807164B2 (en) 2008-10-16 2023-11-07 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Vehicular video camera display system
US9487144B2 (en) 2008-10-16 2016-11-08 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Interior mirror assembly with display
US11577652B2 (en) 2008-10-16 2023-02-14 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Vehicular video camera display system
US11021107B2 (en) 2008-10-16 2021-06-01 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Vehicular interior rearview mirror system with display
US11288888B2 (en) 2009-02-27 2022-03-29 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular control system
US10839233B2 (en) 2009-02-27 2020-11-17 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular control system
US9126525B2 (en) 2009-02-27 2015-09-08 Magna Electronics Inc. Alert system for vehicle
US9911050B2 (en) 2009-02-27 2018-03-06 Magna Electronics Inc. Driver active safety control system for vehicle
US11763573B2 (en) 2009-02-27 2023-09-19 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular control system
US20100266326A1 (en) * 2009-04-21 2010-10-21 Chuang Cheng-Hua Mark-erasable pen cap
US10744940B2 (en) 2009-05-15 2020-08-18 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular control system with temperature input
US8376595B2 (en) 2009-05-15 2013-02-19 Magna Electronics, Inc. Automatic headlamp control
US9187028B2 (en) 2009-05-15 2015-11-17 Magna Electronics Inc. Driver assistance system for vehicle
US10005394B2 (en) 2009-05-15 2018-06-26 Magna Electronics Inc. Driver assistance system for vehicle
US11511668B2 (en) 2009-05-15 2022-11-29 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular driver assistance system with construction zone recognition
US8874317B2 (en) 2009-07-27 2014-10-28 Magna Electronics Inc. Parking assist system
US9457717B2 (en) 2009-07-27 2016-10-04 Magna Electronics Inc. Parking assist system
US10875526B2 (en) 2009-07-27 2020-12-29 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular vision system
US9868463B2 (en) 2009-07-27 2018-01-16 Magna Electronics Inc. Parking assist system
US10569804B2 (en) 2009-07-27 2020-02-25 Magna Electronics Inc. Parking assist system
US10106155B2 (en) 2009-07-27 2018-10-23 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular camera with on-board microcontroller
US9495876B2 (en) 2009-07-27 2016-11-15 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular camera with on-board microcontroller
US11518377B2 (en) 2009-07-27 2022-12-06 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular vision system
US9789821B2 (en) 2009-09-01 2017-10-17 Magna Electronics Inc. Imaging and display system for vehicle
US11794651B2 (en) 2009-09-01 2023-10-24 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular vision system
US10300856B2 (en) 2009-09-01 2019-05-28 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular display system
US11285877B2 (en) 2009-09-01 2022-03-29 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular vision system
US9041806B2 (en) 2009-09-01 2015-05-26 Magna Electronics Inc. Imaging and display system for vehicle
US10053012B2 (en) 2009-09-01 2018-08-21 Magna Electronics Inc. Imaging and display system for vehicle
US10875455B2 (en) 2009-09-01 2020-12-29 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular vision system
US20110051268A1 (en) * 2009-09-03 2011-03-03 Patrick Martin Blind spot mirror
US10906467B2 (en) 2009-10-07 2021-02-02 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Exterior rearview mirror assembly
US11697373B2 (en) 2009-10-07 2023-07-11 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly
US11498486B2 (en) 2009-10-07 2022-11-15 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly
US11794648B2 (en) 2010-02-10 2023-10-24 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Exterior rearview mirror assembly
US10913395B2 (en) 2010-02-10 2021-02-09 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Exterior rearview mirror assembly
US8890955B2 (en) 2010-02-10 2014-11-18 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Adaptable wireless vehicle vision system based on wireless communication error
US11325535B2 (en) 2010-02-10 2022-05-10 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Exterior rearview mirror assembly
US20110193961A1 (en) * 2010-02-10 2011-08-11 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Imaging and display system for vehicle
US9117123B2 (en) 2010-07-05 2015-08-25 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular rear view camera display system with lifecheck function
US9180908B2 (en) 2010-11-19 2015-11-10 Magna Electronics Inc. Lane keeping system and lane centering system
US10427679B2 (en) 2010-11-19 2019-10-01 Magna Electronics Inc. Lane keeping system and lane centering system
US9758163B2 (en) 2010-11-19 2017-09-12 Magna Electronics Inc. Lane keeping system and lane centering system
US11198434B2 (en) 2010-11-19 2021-12-14 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular lane centering system
US11753007B2 (en) 2010-11-19 2023-09-12 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular lane centering system
US11553140B2 (en) 2010-12-01 2023-01-10 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular vision system with multiple cameras
US10868974B2 (en) 2010-12-01 2020-12-15 Magna Electronics Inc. Method for determining alignment of vehicular cameras
US9900522B2 (en) 2010-12-01 2018-02-20 Magna Electronics Inc. System and method of establishing a multi-camera image using pixel remapping
US11155211B2 (en) 2010-12-22 2021-10-26 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular multi-camera surround view system with video display
US9469250B2 (en) 2010-12-22 2016-10-18 Magna Electronics Inc. Vision display system for vehicle
US9598014B2 (en) 2010-12-22 2017-03-21 Magna Electronics Inc. Vision display system for vehicle
US10589678B1 (en) 2010-12-22 2020-03-17 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular rear backup vision system with video display
US9731653B2 (en) 2010-12-22 2017-08-15 Magna Electronics Inc. Vision display system for vehicle
US10814785B2 (en) 2010-12-22 2020-10-27 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular rear backup vision system with video display
US11548444B2 (en) 2010-12-22 2023-01-10 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular multi-camera surround view system with video display
US10144352B2 (en) 2010-12-22 2018-12-04 Magna Electronics Inc. Vision display system for vehicle
US11708026B2 (en) 2010-12-22 2023-07-25 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular rear backup system with video display
US10486597B1 (en) 2010-12-22 2019-11-26 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular vision system with rear backup video display
US10336255B2 (en) 2010-12-22 2019-07-02 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular vision system with rear backup video display
US9264672B2 (en) 2010-12-22 2016-02-16 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Vision display system for vehicle
US11820424B2 (en) 2011-01-26 2023-11-21 Magna Electronics Inc. Trailering assist system with trailer angle detection
US9085261B2 (en) 2011-01-26 2015-07-21 Magna Electronics Inc. Rear vision system with trailer angle detection
US10858042B2 (en) 2011-01-26 2020-12-08 Magna Electronics Inc. Trailering assist system with trailer angle detection
US9950738B2 (en) 2011-01-26 2018-04-24 Magna Electronics Inc. Trailering assist system with trailer angle detection
US9194943B2 (en) 2011-04-12 2015-11-24 Magna Electronics Inc. Step filter for estimating distance in a time-of-flight ranging system
US10288724B2 (en) 2011-04-12 2019-05-14 Magna Electronics Inc. System and method for estimating distance between a mobile unit and a vehicle using a TOF system
US9357208B2 (en) 2011-04-25 2016-05-31 Magna Electronics Inc. Method and system for dynamically calibrating vehicular cameras
US9834153B2 (en) 2011-04-25 2017-12-05 Magna Electronics Inc. Method and system for dynamically calibrating vehicular cameras
US10452931B2 (en) 2011-04-25 2019-10-22 Magna Electronics Inc. Processing method for distinguishing a three dimensional object from a two dimensional object using a vehicular system
US11554717B2 (en) 2011-04-25 2023-01-17 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular vision system that dynamically calibrates a vehicular camera
US11007934B2 (en) 2011-04-25 2021-05-18 Magna Electronics Inc. Method for dynamically calibrating a vehicular camera
US10919458B2 (en) 2011-04-25 2021-02-16 Magna Electronics Inc. Method and system for calibrating vehicular cameras
US9547795B2 (en) 2011-04-25 2017-01-17 Magna Electronics Inc. Image processing method for detecting objects using relative motion
US10640041B2 (en) 2011-04-25 2020-05-05 Magna Electronics Inc. Method for dynamically calibrating vehicular cameras
US10654423B2 (en) 2011-04-25 2020-05-19 Magna Electronics Inc. Method and system for dynamically ascertaining alignment of vehicular cameras
US10202077B2 (en) 2011-04-25 2019-02-12 Magna Electronics Inc. Method for dynamically calibrating vehicular cameras
US10043082B2 (en) 2011-04-25 2018-08-07 Magna Electronics Inc. Image processing method for detecting objects using relative motion
US10793067B2 (en) 2011-07-26 2020-10-06 Magna Electronics Inc. Imaging system for vehicle
US11285873B2 (en) 2011-07-26 2022-03-29 Magna Electronics Inc. Method for generating surround view images derived from image data captured by cameras of a vehicular surround view vision system
US9491450B2 (en) 2011-08-01 2016-11-08 Magna Electronic Inc. Vehicle camera alignment system
US10827108B2 (en) 2011-09-21 2020-11-03 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular vision system using image data transmission and power supply via a coaxial cable
US10284764B2 (en) 2011-09-21 2019-05-07 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision using image data transmission and power supply via a coaxial cable
US9900490B2 (en) 2011-09-21 2018-02-20 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system using image data transmission and power supply via a coaxial cable
US11877054B2 (en) 2011-09-21 2024-01-16 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular vision system using image data transmission and power supply via a coaxial cable
US11201994B2 (en) 2011-09-21 2021-12-14 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular multi-camera surround view system using image data transmission and power supply via coaxial cables
US11638070B2 (en) 2011-09-21 2023-04-25 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular vision system using image data transmission and power supply via a coaxial cable
US10567633B2 (en) 2011-09-21 2020-02-18 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system using image data transmission and power supply via a coaxial cable
US10257432B2 (en) 2011-09-26 2019-04-09 Magna Electronics Inc. Method for enhancing vehicle camera image quality
US9774790B1 (en) 2011-09-26 2017-09-26 Magna Electronics Inc. Method for enhancing vehicle camera image quality
US9681062B2 (en) 2011-09-26 2017-06-13 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle camera image quality improvement in poor visibility conditions by contrast amplification
US9146898B2 (en) 2011-10-27 2015-09-29 Magna Electronics Inc. Driver assist system with algorithm switching
US9919705B2 (en) 2011-10-27 2018-03-20 Magna Electronics Inc. Driver assist system with image processing and wireless communication
US11279343B2 (en) 2011-10-27 2022-03-22 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular control system with image processing and wireless communication
US11673546B2 (en) 2011-10-27 2023-06-13 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular control system with image processing and wireless communication
US9491451B2 (en) 2011-11-15 2016-11-08 Magna Electronics Inc. Calibration system and method for vehicular surround vision system
US10264249B2 (en) 2011-11-15 2019-04-16 Magna Electronics Inc. Calibration system and method for vehicular surround vision system
US11787338B2 (en) 2011-11-28 2023-10-17 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular vision system
US10071687B2 (en) 2011-11-28 2018-09-11 Magna Electronics Inc. Vision system for vehicle
US11142123B2 (en) 2011-11-28 2021-10-12 Magna Electronics Inc. Multi-camera vehicular vision system
US10640040B2 (en) 2011-11-28 2020-05-05 Magna Electronics Inc. Vision system for vehicle
US11634073B2 (en) 2011-11-28 2023-04-25 Magna Electronics Inc. Multi-camera vehicular vision system
US10099614B2 (en) 2011-11-28 2018-10-16 Magna Electronics Inc. Vision system for vehicle
US11305691B2 (en) 2011-11-28 2022-04-19 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular vision system
US11689703B2 (en) 2011-12-09 2023-06-27 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular vision system with customized display
US10542244B2 (en) 2011-12-09 2020-01-21 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with customized display
US9762880B2 (en) 2011-12-09 2017-09-12 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with customized display
US11082678B2 (en) 2011-12-09 2021-08-03 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular vision system with customized display
US10129518B2 (en) 2011-12-09 2018-11-13 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with customized display
US10457209B2 (en) 2012-02-22 2019-10-29 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with multi-paned view
US11607995B2 (en) 2012-02-22 2023-03-21 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular display system with multi-paned image display
US10493916B2 (en) 2012-02-22 2019-12-03 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle camera system with image manipulation
US10926702B2 (en) 2012-02-22 2021-02-23 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle camera system with image manipulation
US11577645B2 (en) 2012-02-22 2023-02-14 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular vision system with image manipulation
US11007937B2 (en) 2012-02-22 2021-05-18 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular display system with multi-paned image display
US9346468B2 (en) 2012-03-01 2016-05-24 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with yaw rate determination
US9916699B2 (en) 2012-03-01 2018-03-13 Magna Electronics Inc. Process for determining state of a vehicle
US10127738B2 (en) 2012-03-01 2018-11-13 Magna Electronics Inc. Method for vehicular control
US8849495B2 (en) 2012-03-01 2014-09-30 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with yaw rate determination
US8694224B2 (en) 2012-03-01 2014-04-08 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle yaw rate correction
US9715769B2 (en) 2012-03-01 2017-07-25 Magna Electronics Inc. Process for determining state of a vehicle
US10609335B2 (en) 2012-03-23 2020-03-31 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with accelerated object confirmation
US11627286B2 (en) 2012-03-23 2023-04-11 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular vision system with accelerated determination of another vehicle
US11184585B2 (en) 2012-03-23 2021-11-23 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular vision system with accelerated determination of an object of interest
US10911721B2 (en) 2012-03-23 2021-02-02 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with accelerated determination of an object of interest
US9319637B2 (en) 2012-03-27 2016-04-19 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with lens pollution detection
US10397451B2 (en) 2012-03-27 2019-08-27 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with lens pollution detection
US10021278B2 (en) 2012-03-27 2018-07-10 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with lens pollution detection
US9751465B2 (en) 2012-04-16 2017-09-05 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with reduced image color data processing by use of dithering
US10434944B2 (en) 2012-04-16 2019-10-08 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with reduced image color data processing by use of dithering
US11308718B2 (en) 2012-05-18 2022-04-19 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular vision system
US10089537B2 (en) 2012-05-18 2018-10-02 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with front and rear camera integration
US11508160B2 (en) 2012-05-18 2022-11-22 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular vision system
US11769335B2 (en) 2012-05-18 2023-09-26 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular rear backup system
US10922563B2 (en) 2012-05-18 2021-02-16 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular control system
US10515279B2 (en) 2012-05-18 2019-12-24 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with front and rear camera integration
US9340227B2 (en) 2012-08-14 2016-05-17 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle lane keep assist system
US11663917B2 (en) 2012-09-04 2023-05-30 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular control system using influence mapping for conflict avoidance path determination
US10115310B2 (en) 2012-09-04 2018-10-30 Magna Electronics Inc. Driver assistant system using influence mapping for conflict avoidance path determination
US9761142B2 (en) 2012-09-04 2017-09-12 Magna Electronics Inc. Driver assistant system using influence mapping for conflict avoidance path determination
US10733892B2 (en) 2012-09-04 2020-08-04 Magna Electronics Inc. Driver assistant system using influence mapping for conflict avoidance path determination
US10800332B2 (en) 2012-09-26 2020-10-13 Magna Electronics Inc. Trailer driving assist system
US11410431B2 (en) 2012-09-26 2022-08-09 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular control system with trailering assist function
US9802542B2 (en) 2012-09-26 2017-10-31 Magna Electronics Inc. Trailer angle detection system calibration
US11872939B2 (en) 2012-09-26 2024-01-16 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular trailer angle detection system
US10300855B2 (en) 2012-09-26 2019-05-28 Magna Electronics Inc. Trailer driving assist system
US11285875B2 (en) 2012-09-26 2022-03-29 Magna Electronics Inc. Method for dynamically calibrating a vehicular trailer angle detection system
US10586119B2 (en) 2012-09-26 2020-03-10 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular control system with trailering assist function
US10909393B2 (en) 2012-09-26 2021-02-02 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular control system with trailering assist function
US9779313B2 (en) 2012-09-26 2017-10-03 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with trailer angle detection
US9558409B2 (en) 2012-09-26 2017-01-31 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with trailer angle detection
US10089541B2 (en) 2012-09-26 2018-10-02 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular control system with trailering assist function
US9446713B2 (en) 2012-09-26 2016-09-20 Magna Electronics Inc. Trailer angle detection system
US10284818B2 (en) 2012-10-05 2019-05-07 Magna Electronics Inc. Multi-camera image stitching calibration system
US11265514B2 (en) 2012-10-05 2022-03-01 Magna Electronics Inc. Multi-camera calibration method for a vehicle moving along a vehicle assembly line
US9723272B2 (en) 2012-10-05 2017-08-01 Magna Electronics Inc. Multi-camera image stitching calibration system
US10904489B2 (en) 2012-10-05 2021-01-26 Magna Electronics Inc. Multi-camera calibration method for a vehicle moving along a vehicle assembly line
US11279287B2 (en) 2012-10-15 2022-03-22 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle camera lens dirt protection via air flow
US9707896B2 (en) 2012-10-15 2017-07-18 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle camera lens dirt protection via air flow
US10104298B2 (en) 2012-11-19 2018-10-16 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with enhanced display functions
US9743002B2 (en) 2012-11-19 2017-08-22 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with enhanced display functions
US10023161B2 (en) 2012-11-19 2018-07-17 Magna Electronics Inc. Braking control system for vehicle
US10321064B2 (en) 2012-11-19 2019-06-11 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular vision system with enhanced display functions
US9090234B2 (en) 2012-11-19 2015-07-28 Magna Electronics Inc. Braking control system for vehicle
US9481344B2 (en) 2012-11-19 2016-11-01 Magna Electronics Inc. Braking control system for vehicle
US10025994B2 (en) 2012-12-04 2018-07-17 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system utilizing corner detection
US10873682B2 (en) 2012-12-05 2020-12-22 Magna Electronics Inc. Method of synchronizing multiple vehicular cameras with an ECU
US9912841B2 (en) 2012-12-05 2018-03-06 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system utilizing camera synchronization
US10171709B2 (en) 2012-12-05 2019-01-01 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system utilizing multiple cameras and ethernet links
US10560610B2 (en) 2012-12-05 2020-02-11 Magna Electronics Inc. Method of synchronizing multiple vehicular cameras with an ECU
US9481301B2 (en) 2012-12-05 2016-11-01 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system utilizing camera synchronization
US10523904B2 (en) 2013-02-04 2019-12-31 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle data recording system
US10803744B2 (en) 2013-02-04 2020-10-13 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular collision mitigation system
US9824285B2 (en) 2013-02-04 2017-11-21 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular control system
US9318020B2 (en) 2013-02-04 2016-04-19 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular collision mitigation system
US9563809B2 (en) 2013-02-04 2017-02-07 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular vision system
US11012668B2 (en) 2013-02-04 2021-05-18 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular security system that limits vehicle access responsive to signal jamming detection
US9092986B2 (en) 2013-02-04 2015-07-28 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular vision system
US11798419B2 (en) 2013-02-04 2023-10-24 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular collision mitigation system
US10497262B2 (en) 2013-02-04 2019-12-03 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular collision mitigation system
US9445057B2 (en) 2013-02-20 2016-09-13 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with dirt detection
US10089540B2 (en) 2013-02-20 2018-10-02 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with dirt detection
US11192500B2 (en) 2013-02-27 2021-12-07 Magna Electronics Inc. Method for stitching image data captured by multiple vehicular cameras
US10486596B2 (en) 2013-02-27 2019-11-26 Magna Electronics Inc. Multi-camera dynamic top view vision system
US10179543B2 (en) 2013-02-27 2019-01-15 Magna Electronics Inc. Multi-camera dynamic top view vision system
US10780827B2 (en) 2013-02-27 2020-09-22 Magna Electronics Inc. Method for stitching images captured by multiple vehicular cameras
US11572015B2 (en) 2013-02-27 2023-02-07 Magna Electronics Inc. Multi-camera vehicular vision system with graphic overlay
US10027930B2 (en) 2013-03-29 2018-07-17 Magna Electronics Inc. Spectral filtering for vehicular driver assistance systems
US9327693B2 (en) 2013-04-10 2016-05-03 Magna Electronics Inc. Rear collision avoidance system for vehicle
US9545921B2 (en) 2013-04-10 2017-01-17 Magna Electronics Inc. Collision avoidance system for vehicle
US9802609B2 (en) 2013-04-10 2017-10-31 Magna Electronics Inc. Collision avoidance system for vehicle
US10207705B2 (en) 2013-04-10 2019-02-19 Magna Electronics Inc. Collision avoidance system for vehicle
US11718291B2 (en) 2013-04-10 2023-08-08 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular collision avoidance system
US10875527B2 (en) 2013-04-10 2020-12-29 Magna Electronics Inc. Collision avoidance system for vehicle
US11485358B2 (en) 2013-04-10 2022-11-01 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular collision avoidance system
US10232797B2 (en) 2013-04-29 2019-03-19 Magna Electronics Inc. Rear vision system for vehicle with dual purpose signal lines
US10057489B2 (en) 2013-05-06 2018-08-21 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular multi-camera vision system
US9508014B2 (en) 2013-05-06 2016-11-29 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular multi-camera vision system
US11616910B2 (en) 2013-05-06 2023-03-28 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular vision system with video display
US10574885B2 (en) 2013-05-06 2020-02-25 Magna Electronics Inc. Method for displaying video images for a vehicular vision system
US11050934B2 (en) 2013-05-06 2021-06-29 Magna Electronics Inc. Method for displaying video images for a vehicular vision system
US9769381B2 (en) 2013-05-06 2017-09-19 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular multi-camera vision system
US10567748B2 (en) 2013-05-21 2020-02-18 Magna Electronics Inc. Targetless vehicular camera calibration method
US10266115B2 (en) 2013-05-21 2019-04-23 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system using kinematic model of vehicle motion
US9563951B2 (en) 2013-05-21 2017-02-07 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with targetless camera calibration
US11597319B2 (en) 2013-05-21 2023-03-07 Magna Electronics Inc. Targetless vehicular camera calibration system
US10780826B2 (en) 2013-05-21 2020-09-22 Magna Electronics Inc. Method for determining misalignment of a vehicular camera
US11447070B2 (en) 2013-05-21 2022-09-20 Magna Electronics Inc. Method for determining misalignment of a vehicular camera
US9979957B2 (en) 2013-05-21 2018-05-22 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with targetless camera calibration
US9205776B2 (en) 2013-05-21 2015-12-08 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system using kinematic model of vehicle motion
US11794647B2 (en) 2013-05-21 2023-10-24 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular vision system having a plurality of cameras
US11109018B2 (en) 2013-05-21 2021-08-31 Magna Electronics Inc. Targetless vehicular camera misalignment correction method
US9701246B2 (en) 2013-05-21 2017-07-11 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system using kinematic model of vehicle motion
US10567705B2 (en) 2013-06-10 2020-02-18 Magna Electronics Inc. Coaxial cable with bidirectional data transmission
US11792360B2 (en) 2013-06-10 2023-10-17 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular vision system using cable with bidirectional data transmission
US11290679B2 (en) 2013-06-10 2022-03-29 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular multi-camera vision system using coaxial cables with bidirectional data transmission
US11533452B2 (en) 2013-06-10 2022-12-20 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular multi-camera vision system using coaxial cables with bidirectional data transmission
US11025859B2 (en) 2013-06-10 2021-06-01 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular multi-camera vision system using coaxial cables with bidirectional data transmission
US9824587B2 (en) 2013-06-19 2017-11-21 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with collision mitigation
US9260095B2 (en) 2013-06-19 2016-02-16 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with collision mitigation
US10692380B2 (en) 2013-06-19 2020-06-23 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with collision mitigation
US10222224B2 (en) 2013-06-24 2019-03-05 Magna Electronics Inc. System for locating a parking space based on a previously parked space
US10718624B2 (en) 2013-06-24 2020-07-21 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular parking assist system that determines a parking space based in part on previously parked spaces
US10326969B2 (en) 2013-08-12 2019-06-18 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with reduction of temporal noise in images
US9619716B2 (en) 2013-08-12 2017-04-11 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with image classification
US10137892B2 (en) 2013-12-05 2018-11-27 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle monitoring system
US10870427B2 (en) 2013-12-05 2020-12-22 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular control system with remote processor
US9499139B2 (en) 2013-12-05 2016-11-22 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle monitoring system
US11618441B2 (en) 2013-12-05 2023-04-04 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular control system with remote processor
US10688993B2 (en) 2013-12-12 2020-06-23 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle control system with traffic driving control
US9988047B2 (en) 2013-12-12 2018-06-05 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle control system with traffic driving control
US10160382B2 (en) 2014-02-04 2018-12-25 Magna Electronics Inc. Trailer backup assist system
US10493917B2 (en) 2014-02-04 2019-12-03 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular trailer backup assist system
US9623878B2 (en) 2014-04-02 2017-04-18 Magna Electronics Inc. Personalized driver assistance system for vehicle
US9950707B2 (en) 2014-04-02 2018-04-24 Magna Electronics Inc. Method for controlling a vehicle in accordance with parameters preferred by an identified driver
US11130487B2 (en) 2014-04-02 2021-09-28 Magna Electronics Inc. Method for controlling a vehicle in accordance with parameters preferred by an identified driver
US11565690B2 (en) 2014-04-02 2023-01-31 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular driving assistance system that controls a vehicle in accordance with parameters preferred by an identified driver
US10202147B2 (en) 2014-04-10 2019-02-12 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle control system with adaptive wheel angle correction
US10994774B2 (en) 2014-04-10 2021-05-04 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular control system with steering adjustment
US9487235B2 (en) 2014-04-10 2016-11-08 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle control system with adaptive wheel angle correction
US10328932B2 (en) 2014-06-02 2019-06-25 Magna Electronics Inc. Parking assist system with annotated map generation
US11318928B2 (en) 2014-06-02 2022-05-03 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular automated parking system
US10235775B2 (en) 2015-01-16 2019-03-19 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with calibration algorithm
US9916660B2 (en) 2015-01-16 2018-03-13 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with calibration algorithm
US9764744B2 (en) 2015-02-25 2017-09-19 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle yaw rate estimation system
US11180155B2 (en) 2015-02-25 2021-11-23 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular control system responsive to yaw rate estimation
US10407080B2 (en) 2015-02-25 2019-09-10 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular control system responsive to yaw rate estimation system
US10286855B2 (en) 2015-03-23 2019-05-14 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with video compression
US10946799B2 (en) 2015-04-21 2021-03-16 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with overlay calibration
US11535154B2 (en) 2015-04-21 2022-12-27 Magna Electronics Inc. Method for calibrating a vehicular vision system
US10819943B2 (en) 2015-05-07 2020-10-27 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with incident recording function
US11483514B2 (en) 2015-05-07 2022-10-25 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular vision system with incident recording function
US10214206B2 (en) 2015-07-13 2019-02-26 Magna Electronics Inc. Parking assist system for vehicle
US11104327B2 (en) 2015-07-13 2021-08-31 Magna Electronics Inc. Method for automated parking of a vehicle
US10078789B2 (en) 2015-07-17 2018-09-18 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle parking assist system with vision-based parking space detection
US11673605B2 (en) 2015-08-18 2023-06-13 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular driving assist system
US10086870B2 (en) 2015-08-18 2018-10-02 Magna Electronics Inc. Trailer parking assist system for vehicle
US10870449B2 (en) 2015-08-18 2020-12-22 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular trailering system
US11910123B2 (en) 2015-10-27 2024-02-20 Magna Electronics Inc. System for processing image data for display using backward projection
US10187590B2 (en) 2015-10-27 2019-01-22 Magna Electronics Inc. Multi-camera vehicle vision system with image gap fill
US10875403B2 (en) 2015-10-27 2020-12-29 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with enhanced night vision
US11277558B2 (en) 2016-02-01 2022-03-15 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with master-slave camera configuration
US11433809B2 (en) 2016-02-02 2022-09-06 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with smart camera video output
US11708025B2 (en) 2016-02-02 2023-07-25 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with smart camera video output
US10773707B2 (en) 2016-02-29 2020-09-15 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle control system with reverse assist
US10160437B2 (en) 2016-02-29 2018-12-25 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle control system with reverse assist
US11400919B2 (en) 2016-03-02 2022-08-02 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with autonomous parking function
US10132971B2 (en) 2016-03-04 2018-11-20 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle camera with multiple spectral filters
US10055651B2 (en) 2016-03-08 2018-08-21 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with enhanced lane tracking
US11288890B2 (en) 2016-03-08 2022-03-29 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular driving assist system
US10685243B2 (en) 2016-03-08 2020-06-16 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular driver assist system
US11756316B2 (en) 2016-03-08 2023-09-12 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicular lane keeping system
US10300859B2 (en) 2016-06-10 2019-05-28 Magna Electronics Inc. Multi-sensor interior mirror device with image adjustment
US11691567B2 (en) 2017-08-23 2023-07-04 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Exterior rearview mirror assembly
US11148596B2 (en) 2017-08-23 2021-10-19 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Exterior rearview mirror assembly
US11623568B2 (en) 2018-05-24 2023-04-11 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Exterior rearview mirror assembly
US11351919B2 (en) 2018-05-24 2022-06-07 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Exterior rearview mirror assembly
US11135976B2 (en) 2019-09-20 2021-10-05 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Vehicle door mirror assembly
US11279286B2 (en) * 2020-04-15 2022-03-22 Motherson Innovations Company Limited Actuator assembly for mirror
US11919449B2 (en) 2023-03-06 2024-03-05 Magna Electronics Inc. Targetless vehicular camera calibration system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20020159171A1 (en) 2002-10-31

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6672731B2 (en) Vehicular rearview mirror with blind spot viewing system
EP1292931B1 (en) Exterior mirror
US6726337B2 (en) Extandable exterior rearview mirror assembly
US5097362A (en) Rearview mirror targeting and repositioning system
US6116743A (en) Extendable exterior rearview mirror assembly for vehicles
US5745310A (en) Method and apparatus for temporary view shifting of vehicle side mirror
US6851813B2 (en) Tow mirror assembly for vehicles
US6497491B2 (en) Extendable mirror
US4832476A (en) Blind spot viewing mirror system
KR100612704B1 (en) A mirror unit for automobile
US5159497A (en) Solenoid controlled rearview mirror
US6932484B2 (en) Rear view mirror assembly
US6976761B2 (en) Exterior vehicle mirror with forward folding feature
US7025467B2 (en) Outside, vehicle rearview mirror system for backing
US6824282B1 (en) Rearview mirror redirecting system
GB2104856A (en) Retractable vehicle rear view mirror
US6286967B1 (en) Outside mirror system
EP0596090A1 (en) Rearview mirror for right-angle view
US20050068784A1 (en) Lamp device for eliminating blind spot in automotive vehicle
US5926331A (en) Power pack for controlling the angular position of a vehicle rearview mirror
WO2001028812A1 (en) Exterior mirror
CA2375357C (en) Extending and rotating rearview mirror assembly
EP4261086A1 (en) Retractable camera wing assembly for vehicles
KR100241933B1 (en) Angle adjuster of car headlamp
US20050052762A1 (en) Method and apparatus for safely backing a vehicle into a traffic lane

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: DONNELLY CORPORATION, MICHIGAN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:SCHNELL, ROBERT E.;WILLMORE, DAVID K.;WEBER, RICHARD J.;REEL/FRAME:012323/0821;SIGNING DATES FROM 20011114 TO 20011115

CC Certificate of correction
FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 4

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 8

REMI Maintenance fee reminder mailed
LAPS Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees
STCH Information on status: patent discontinuation

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362

FP Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee

Effective date: 20160106